NYPD Commissioner Caban resigns amid investigation

NEW YORK (PIX11) — NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on Thursday amid a federal investigation involving alleged corruption, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

"I spent more than 20 years in law enforcement," Adams said during a press conference. "And so, every member of the administration knows my expectations that we must follow the law."

Last week, federal officials seized phones from Caban and two NYPD lieutenants who worked in the commissioner’s office and on his detail, sources told PIX11 News. A lieutenant's phone in the 10th Precinct was also confiscated.

Federal authorities also requested phones from NYPD Chief of Staff Raul Pintos and two precinct commanders in Queens and Manhattan, according to sources. Sources said none of the officials are being questioned, but the NYPD has been asked to isolate emails from high-ranking executives. 

In July 2023, Caban became the first Hispanic person to hold the position of police commissioner of the NYPD.

New York City experienced a drop in crime during Caban's time as the NYPD commissioner, Adams said. He oversaw the removal of 18,000 illegal guns from the streets.

The NYPD also saw the lowest recorded number of shootings in New York City history in August, according to Adams.

Caban started his NYPD career in 1991, patrolling in the South Bronx. In 2022, Caban was the NYPD’s first deputy commissioner, according to NYC.gov. His father and three brothers were also in the NYPD.

"He concluded that this is the best decision at this time," Adams said of Caban. "I respect his decision and I wish him well."

Former FBI official Tom Donlon was appointed as the interim NYPD commissioner, according to Adams.

The incoming interim police commissioner released a statement saying,

“I am honored and humbled to be named interim-Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, the greatest law enforcement agency in the world. My goals are clear: continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. I want to thank outgoing Commissioner Caban for his service to this department throughout his more than 30-year career and I look forward to building on the progress this administration has made keeping New York City the safest big city in America.”

Tom Donlon, interim NYPD commissioner