Historic appointments have been made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, as two seasoned police officers of Caribbean descent step into the roles of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Adams revealed these groundbreaking appointments on Monday, expressing his honor to have both officers at the helm of the NYPD.
Edward Caban, of Puerto Rican-American heritage, is now leading the NYPD as its 46th commissioner, setting a precedent as the first Latino to assume the position.
Tania Kinsella who is now in the role of Deputy Commissioner, is a first-generation American of Jamaican and Guyanese lineage. Kinsella is breaking barriers as the first woman of color to serve in this senior position.
Edward Caban: NYPD’s first Hispanic Police Commissioner
Caban’s appointment comes after a commendable 32-year-long service in the NYPD, during which he played several key roles, including serving as the Deputy Commissioner and Commander of the 23rd Precinct in East Harlem. Moreover, law enforcement is a family tradition, as Caban’s father, Juan, once served as a detective for the New York City Transit Police and led the Transit Police Hispanic Society.
Caban conveyed his commitment to furthering the efforts to curb crime in the city, stating he is humbled to be on the team and to lead the “greatest police department on the globe.”
“The NYPD is the most consequential police department in all of law enforcement. Its storied history is a living legacy of valour, bravery, and sacrifice — of ordinary New Yorkers who did extraordinary things. When a person in need rings the bell, you can always count on the NYPD to answer the call. Together, we will build upon our successes and continue to drive down crime and improve the quality of life in our communities,” he continued.
Caban steps into the role, succeeding Keechant Sewell, who holds the distinction of being the first woman and third Black individual to assume the Commissioner’s office.
Barrier-breaking leadership: Tania Kinsella as Deputy Commissioner
Kinsella, a police officer with two decades of experience, formerly led the 120th Precinct as its commanding officer.
Upon her new appointment, she expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm, saying that from the very first moment she joined the NYPD 20 years ago, it was “love at first sight”, as being a police officer is about so much more than keeping people safe.
“It’s about building community, helping others from all walks of life, and making a difference in people’s lives, especially those in need. As a mother, I am always thinking of my children’s safety and well-being, and as the commanding officer at the 120th Precinct — in my home borough of Staten Island — I have been determined to protect all of our children and families and make a difference in the place I love and call home,” she added.
She further said that as the daughter of two immigrants, she is experiencing the “American Dream”, while extending gratitude to Mayor Adams and Commissioner Caban for helping her turn that dream into reality.
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