Edward Cabán becomes the first Hispanic to head the NYPD

The Puerto Rican began his career as a patrolman in the department and has been rising through the ranks ever since.

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17 de julio, 2023

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday that Puerto Rican Edward Cabán will be the new commissioner of the New York City Police Department, making him the first Hispanic to hold the position.

The mayor made the announcement in front of the Bronx police station, where Cabán began his career as a patrolman in 1991. “We knew we had to get it right. We knew we had to appoint the right person. And I saw in Eddie long ago, the possibility. I knew that there was something special about Edward Cabán (...) I’ve watched him, his discipline, his attitude,” said Adams.

The mayor explained that Cabán, who is 55 years old, has extensive experience in the department because since he began his career, he has risen through the ranks, which has allowed him to serve in almost every role within the police force. Now he will be in charge of the largest police department in the country with more than 35 thousand members.

Thanks from the new commissioner

“My journey with NYPD began over 32 years ago, a young Puerto Rican kid from Parkchester standing on a foot post in the South Bronx (...) to be the first Hispanic police commissioner is an honor of the highest measure,” Cabán said, highlighting the gratitude he feels to be on the team and leading what he believes is the best Police Department in the world.

Cabán’s experience

Edward Cabán holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas. He has been with the NYPD for 32 years. The new commissioner has not only served in all five boroughs but has already risen from police officer to sergeant then rose to lieutenant, promoted to captain, then executive officer and commanding officer. His last positions in the department before becoming commissioner were: deputy inspector, inspector and first deputy commissioner.

However, Cabán could see the workings of the police before that, as his father, Juan, also worked for the department as a New York City Transit Police detective and president of the Hispanic Society of Transit Police.