Veteran police official Edward Caban becomes first Latino to head the NYPD

Edward Caban, a seasoned police official, has made history by becoming the first Latino to assume the position of NYPD’s head. Joining the New York Police Department as a young patrol officer in 1991, Caban’s exemplary dedication and advancement through the ranks have culminated in his appointment as police commissioner, marking a significant milestone for the 178-year-old department.

Mayor Eric Adams conducted the swearing-in ceremony at the Bronx stationhouse where Caban commenced his career. During the event, Adams commended the new police commissioner, describing him as a symbol of the hardworking nature of the city. Caban’s father, retired Detective Juan Caban, along with other family members, proudly stood by his side as he took on the role of the city’s highest-ranking police official.

Reflecting on his journey, Caban expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams for selecting him to lead the 33,000-member police department. He acknowledged the significance of being the first Hispanic police commissioner, emphasizing that it is an immense honor. Caban reminisced about joining the NYPD as a young Puerto Rican, noting that at the time, the department’s higher-ranking officials did not resemble him.

Caban, 55, assumed the position of acting commissioner following the resignation of Keechant Sewell, who served as the first woman to lead the department for 18 months. While Sewell’s reasons for resigning remained undisclosed, speculation arose regarding the potential undermining of her authority by other officials, including Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, an ally of Mayor Adams. Both Adams and Caban commended Sewell, recognizing her accomplishments in breaking the glass ceiling and leading the department with grace and honor.

With a career spanning 32 years, Caban’s journey in the NYPD saw him progress from a patrol officer to various positions, including sergeant, lieutenant, captain, executive officer, commanding officer, deputy inspector, inspector, and first deputy commissioner. The police force he now leads, the largest in the nation, exhibits greater diversity compared to when he initially joined, with 31% of uniformed officers identifying as Hispanic, slightly surpassing the 29% of the city’s Hispanic population according to the Census Bureau. Additionally, approximately 11% of the force comprises Asian officers, and around 16% are Black, closely reflecting the demographic makeup of the city.

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More about NYPD leadership diversity

• New York Times: Edward Caban Becomes First Latino to Head the NYPD
• NBC New York: Edward Caban Sworn in as NYPD Commissioner
• CNN: Edward Caban Appointed First Latino Police Commissioner of the NYPD
• ABC7NY: Edward Caban Makes History as First Latino NYPD Commissioner
• NY Post: Keechant Sewell Resigns as NYPD Police Commissioner
• CBS New York: NYPD’s Diversity Numbers
• Official NYPD Website