The commissioner of the New York Police Department has resigned a week after federal agents raided his home as part of a reported investigation into influence peddling.
Commissioner Edward Caban was tapped to lead the nation’s largest police department in 2023. His resignation goes into effect on Friday.
“The news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD,” Caban wrote in a memo sent to members of the department and obtained by NBC New York. “I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why – for the good of this city and this department – I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner.”
Caban noted he has been a part of the department for three decades. He began his career as a patrol officer in the Bronx. His father was also a member of the NYPD.
“Together, we have removed thousands of firearms from the streets, brought justice to countless victims of violent crimes, and helped to heal and bring communities together,” he said. “The families, business owners, tourists, as well as all who walk the streets, take the subway, and live freely and safely in New York, do so because of you.”
The NYPD has said it is fully cooperating with the federal investigation.
During the Sept. 4 raid on the homes of several city officials, Caban’s electronic devices were seized. He has not been charged with any crimes. The homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III were also raided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and their phones were also seized, per the BBC.
Wright lives with Schools Chancellor David Banks, the brother of Philip Banks.
The investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorney's Office, which did not provide
an official reason for the raids.
“Sources familiar with the investigation say it is not believed to be connected to a previous investigation into pricey flight upgrades on international flights to Turkey as part of the corruption investigation into Adams' 2021 campaign,” according to CBS News.
New York Mayor Eric Adams will now need to appoint his third police commissioner in as many years.
Adams celebrated Caban as the first Latino to lead the NYPD in its history. He praised the police veteran’s experience and his family’s ties to the department.
“Commissioner Caban is the right choice at the right time,” said the mayor in a press release. “Not only has Commissioner Caban climbed the ranks, serving in nearly every role within the Police Department, but policing is in his blood, as he follows in the footsteps of his father.”
