In response to rumors that NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell is retiring due to conflict at City Hall, Mayor Adams said on Tuesday that Sewell was free to continue serving as the head of the country’s most significant police force for as long as she pleased.
The day after Sewell, the city’s first female police commissioner, announced her resignation, Adams remarked, “She made the decision that she wanted to do something else, and I respect that.” Individuals come and go.
There is nothing improper about that. I have a rule: Don’t obstruct someone from pursuing their job goals.
After Sewell’s abrupt resignation, he was all praise for her, listing her historic appointment as one of the high points of his administration.
“Not only did I believe she was a great professional, but I just liked her as a person,” Adams told reporters. “She was imposing from the first day that I interviewed her. I never lost confidence in her; I always thought she could do the job.”
But on Tuesday, the mayor referred to Sewell in the past tense. Sewell is anticipated to resign at the end of the month.
Adams refused to comment on what he called “private conversations,” refusing to discuss Sewell’s explanations for departing.
In addition, he made no mention of Sewell’s replacement.
He said, “We’ll announce when we’re ready to make one.”
Behind the scenes, rumors circulated that Sewell became frustrated with the department’s internal conflicts and City Hall’s micromanagement.
For instance, a source claimed that Sewell became upset after receiving criticism recently regarding a job applicant she was endorsing. The position is still open.
According to the source, Sewell allegedly said, “If I can’t get this, there’s no sense in me being here anymore.”
Bill Bratton, a former police commissioner, hypothesized that there might have been too many chefs in the kitchen.
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