What Are the Different Divisions of the New York City Police Department?
The NYPD is headed by Police Commissioner Edward Caban, supported by First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella and Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. The department is made up of various units, each responsible for specific functions. They include:
- Auxiliary Police: This voluntary group assists the regular police force in areas such as crowd control during city events and community patrols.
- Emergency Service: This unit handles high-risk tasks such as responding to armed incidents, performing rescue operations, and providing tactical support.
- Highway Patrol: This division is responsible for maintaining safety on highways, conducting traffic enforcement, and providing escorts.
- Housing Bureau: This unit ensures the safety and security of residents living in New York City’s public housing.
- Major Case Squad: This team focuses on investigating serious crimes such as homicides, robberies, and kidnappings.
- Transportation Bureau: This division oversees the safety and flow of traffic in the city, ensuring that all road laws are obeyed.
What is the History of the New York City Police Department?
The NYPD was established on May 23, 1845, making it among the oldest police departments in the United States. Over the course of its rich 178-year history, the department has grown in size and scope, adapting to the changing needs of the city it serves. Today, the NYPD boasts over 50,000 employees, including 35,030 sworn officers and 15,645 civilian employees. The NYPD’s history is marked by periods of great change, innovation, and resilience, with the department continually striving to better serve the people of New York City.
How Does the New York City Police Department Serve the People?
The NYPD is deeply committed to maintaining a strong relationship with the community it serves. Through the Neighborhood Policing program, the department shares responsibility for safety with the community, fostering a collaborative environment that enables the co-creation of local crime strategies. The NYPD aims to be more than a law enforcement entity; it strives to be a source of support and a pillar of the community.
Moreover, the department operates numerous youth programs aimed at building positive relationships with the younger members of the community. These programs provide a variety of services and aim to foster mutual respect and understanding between the police and the city’s youth.
The NYPD also prioritizes the welfare of its personnel. Recognizing that officers can only effectively serve the public when they are physically and mentally healthy, the department provides various resources and support services to ensure the well-being of its staff.
In its continuous effort to innovate and improve, the NYPD is supported by the New York City Police Foundation. This independent nonprofit organization helps the NYPD develop new strategies, build community ties, and improve the overall quality of its services.
The NYPD, with its various specialized units, proactive community engagement programs, and unwavering commitment to public safety, plays a crucial role in making New York City a safer place to live, work, and visit.
Address: One Police Plaza, Lower Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States.
Click here to view New York City accident reports.