NYC Police Chief Steps Down After Federal Probe Seizes Phone

Edward Caban, the New York City Police Commissioner, resigned on Thursday. This decision came a week after his phone was seized in a federal investigation involving several members of Mayor Eric Adams' inner circle. Caban had led the nation's largest police department for about 15 months.

In an email to the police department, Caban stated that recent developments had become a distraction. "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," he wrote.

Federal Investigation

The investigation is being conducted by the US Attorney's office in Manhattan. The exact focus remains unclear, as does whether it involves one or multiple probes. Federal authorities are also investigating Caban's twin brother, James Caban, who runs a nightclub security business.

James Caban's attorney, Sean Hecker, said in a statement, "His work—as a consultant and acting as a liaison between the Department and a private company—is perfectly legal, especially given his previous career as a NYPD officer."

New Interim Commissioner

At a news conference on Thursday, Mayor Adams praised Caban for his service and announced Tom Donlon as the interim police commissioner. Donlon is a retired FBI official who previously served as the chief of the FBI's National Threat Centre and led New York's Office of Homeland Security before starting his own security firm in 2020.

Donlon expressed his gratitude in a statement: "I am honoured and humbled to head the greatest law enforcement agency in the world." He also mentioned that removing illegal guns from the community would be one of his priorities.

Background and Career

Caban was the first Latino to lead the 179-year-old NYPD. He joined the department in 1991 as a patrol officer in the Bronx and worked across various precincts as he rose through the ranks. His father, retired Detective Juan Caban, had served with Adams when they were both on the city's transit police force. Three of Caban's brothers were also police officers.

Before becoming commissioner last year, Caban was second-in-command at the department. He succeeded Keechant Sewell, who was the first woman to lead the force but resigned 18 months into her tenure amid speculation about her control over the department.

Recent Developments

Caban's resignation marks the first high-level departure from Adams' administration since federal investigators seized phones from several members of Adams' inner circle last Wednesday. This included two deputy mayors, the schools chancellor, and one of Adams' top advisers.

Caban's attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, stated that he is not a target of any investigation by the Southern District of New York and expects to cooperate fully with authorities. The Justice Department defines a target as someone against whom substantial evidence has been gathered linking them to a crime.

Crime Statistics

From January 1 to September 1 this year, there were 243 murders compared to 279 during the same period last year. Burglary, grand larceny, and auto thefts also decreased. However, there was a 17.8% increase in reported hate crimes and an 11.1% rise in rapes.

Caban faced criticism for his handling of officer discipline. Notably, two officers did not face internal disciplinary action after fatally shooting Kawaski Trawick inside his Bronx apartment in 2019.

Mayor Adams himself was subpoenaed in July. This came eight months after federal agents seized his cell phones and an iPad while he was leaving an event in Manhattan. Federal authorities have not publicly accused him or any officials of crimes, and Adams has denied any wrongdoing.

Caban reflected on public service in an interview with St. John's University after his appointment: "There is nothing in the world like public service," he said. "My father taught me that every day on the job is an opportunity to change lives."

The investigation that led to Edward Caban's devices being seized is not believed to be connected to another probe that resulted in federal investigators seizing Mayor Adams' devices last November.

Caban's resignation underscores ongoing challenges within Mayor Adams' administration amid federal scrutiny.