Edward A. Caban on Monday was appointed as the 46th commissioner of the New York City Police Department, making him the first Latino to serve as commissioner of the NYPD in its 178-year history. Also appointed on Monday was Tania Kinsella as first deputy commissioner of the NYPD, making Kinsella the first woman of color to serve as first deputy commissioner in NYPD history.
A Bronx native and 32-year veteran of the NYPD, Caban has served at several precincts across the five boroughs where he has held nearly every position within the Police Department, including police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, executive officer, commanding officer, deputy inspector, inspector, and first deputy commissioner before being promoted today to commissioner.
He became the NYPD’s first deputy commissioner in 2022 and was designated as acting police commissioner earlier this month.
“Commissioner Caban is the right choice at the right time. 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, another veteran of the NYPD. As first deputy commissioner, Commissioner Caban worked side by side with Commissioner Sewell to deliver double digit decreases in shootings and murders in our first year — a downward trend that continues today," said Mayor Adams at the announcement of the appointment. "And I am confident that Commissioner Caban will continue that legacy of success while supporting our officers going forward every day."
A 20-year veteran of the NYPD and the youngest daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and Guyana, Kinsella has also served at several precincts across the five boroughs where she has held numerous positions such as captain, commanding officer, deputy inspector, and inspector. She became executive officer at the office of the chief of patrol in 2022, where she was subsequently promoted to deputy chief.
"First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella has devoted herself to bringing the police and the community together, building bonds, and making our city a better, safer, and stronger place to live. Commissioner Caban and First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella are the best of the NYPD," said Mayor Adams. "They truly understand the importance of both safety and justice, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to help keep our city safe.”
Caban called the NYPD the most consequential police department in all of law enforcement: "Its storied history is a living legacy of valor, bravery, and sacrifice — of ordinary New Yorkers who did extraordinary things. When a person in need rings the bell, you can always count on the NYPD to answer the call," he said. "Together, we will build upon our successes and continue to drive down crime and improve the quality of life in our communities.”
Kinsella added that, “Being a police officer is about so much more than keeping people safe. It’s about building community, helping others from all walks of life, and making a difference in people’s lives, especially those in need. As a mother, I am always thinking of my children’s safety and well-being, and as the commanding officer at the 120th Precinct — in my home borough of Staten Island — I have been determined to protect all our children and families and make a difference in the place I love and call home.”
