Monday marked a historic day in the 178 years of NYPD history. Bronx native Edward Caban became the first Latino NYPD Commissioner. Thousands of officers looked ahead with pride in their eyes as Caban stood at the same precinct where he began his career to take the oath of office.
Caban confessed that back when he had joined the force 32 years ago, officers who looked like him were never promoted to such a high post. At that time, it was impossible to even dream of becoming a commissioner.
However, the world has changed, and NYPD has become much more inclusive in an attempt to adequately represent the population.
According to Caban, “I just want to stay right here for one second and just soak it all in,” as “In those days, the top bosses of the Police Department didn’t really look like me.”
However, it looks like joining the police force is in Caban’s blood, as his father was also an activist in the NYPD Hispanic Society. He ever served as a transit cop with Mayor Eric Adams, who swore in Caban.
Senior Caban’s advice helped Edward a lot, and he never forgot to thank his father for all his help as he encouraged Edward to take the test. His guidance has finally come full circle.
One of Edward Caban’s most significant responsibilities will be to improve the force’s numbers as the department is losing officers. Many are retiring early or joining other agencies due to feeling overworked or disheartened.
It looks like Edward is already ahead in the game as he addressed the youth in his speech,
“Today, I hope there is a young man, a college student, or a military veteran who hears about my new assignment today, and it sparks the question, what if? To them, I say, the NYPD wants you, the NYPD needs you, and your commissioner has plenty for you to do.”
Caban used to be the first deputy to Commissioner Keechant Sewell and succeeded to her post after she resigned just last month. Sewell was the first woman to serve in the role. She left after just 18 months. According to many news outlets, the decision was made after she faced immense frustration with her lack of autonomy in the department.
The present commissioner used to be a close co-worker of Keechant, and after her resignation, he posted an image of them from a Gracie Mansion outing for a Juneteenth celebration.
Caban acknowledges the shoes he has to fill “Commissioner Sewell smashed the glass ceiling that lingered on for far too long, and she did so with grace, confidence, and honor.”
However, this new appointment comes with its fair share of controversy. Not everyone is satisfied with Edward Caban and Mayor Adams, as the anti-crime unit responsible for fatal shootings, which was disbanded in 2020, has returned.
Despite being renamed to “neighborhood safety teams,” it was found in June that the team had frisked many people unlawfully, most of them being people of color.
Caban himself has a rather jerky record, as he was accused of abusing his authority in 1997 when he cursed and threatened two women without giving them his name.
In 2006, the Civilian Complaint Review Board again found that Caban had abused his authority as a captain when he stopped a man to investigate robberies and then arrested him for disorderly conduct. The man was later released from custody.
Nevertheless, the appointment of Caban has sent a powerful message that the commissioner’s post is no longer bound by color. Reportedly, 31% of uniformed officers are Hispanic or Latino. Asians and Blacks comprise 11% and 16% of the force.
It is a significant moment in NYPD history, and rightfully so. Are you proud of this historic achievement as well? Let us know in the comments below.
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