New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban is expected to step down from his position in the coming days, as reported by POLITICO.
This development comes in the wake of a federal investigation involving potential corruption within the New York Police Department and city administration.
The news of Caban's impending resignation has sent shockwaves through the NYPD and City Hall. While no official announcement has been made, sources close to the matter indicate that Caban was scheduled to meet with police leadership on Monday to discuss his future. Given the gravity of the situation, however, the decision may not be entirely in his hands.
The federal probe, which involves the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and the IRS, has cast a wide net over several top city officials. Investigators have seized electronic devices from various high-ranking members of Mayor Eric Adams' administration, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III.
Commissioner Caban's phone was among those confiscated by federal agents. The investigation also extended to Caban's twin brother, James, the commissioner's chief of staff, and Deputy Inspector Robert Gault. The exact nature of the allegations remains unclear, but sources suggest that the probe may be linked to James Caban's nightlife consulting business and potential conflicts of interest with his brother's role as police commissioner.
Mayor Adams, known for standing by his embattled aides, has been cautious in his public statements regarding the situation. When asked about Caban during an unrelated press conference, Adams said, "I chose him for his experience and what he brought after 30-something years of service." However, the mayor stopped short of guaranteeing Caban's position in the long term, stating, "I don't think anything in life is guaranteed."
The potential resignation of Commissioner Caban would mark the first significant staff change in Adams' administration since the federal investigation came to light. The situation has drawn criticism from both conservative and progressive quarters, with the New York Post editorial board and City Council Member Lincoln Restler both calling for Caban's resignation.
This development poses a significant challenge for Mayor Adams as he prepares for his reelection campaign. The mayor, who has made public safety a cornerstone of his administration, now faces scrutiny over the integrity of his top law enforcement official. The situation is further complicated by an ongoing federal probe into Adams' 2021 campaign.
City Hall spokesperson Fabien Levy attempted to downplay the speculation, stating:
We remain focused on ensuring New Yorkers are safe every single day, and that's our top priority. We're not going to speculate on rumors at this point.
Caban's appointment as NYPD Commissioner in July 2023 followed the resignation of his predecessor, Keechant Sewell, who left after 18 months due to frustrations over her oversight in City Hall. If Caban steps down, it would be another setback for the department's leadership stability.
The investigation has also raised questions about the relationships between city officials and private business interests. The probe's focus on James Caban's nightlife consulting business and its potential connection to his brother's position as commissioner has sparked concerns about ethical boundaries within the administration.
Mayor Adams has previously expressed confidence in Caban's ability to perform his duties. In a recent interview, Adams stated that Caban had been effective in reducing crime and could continue to do his job despite the ongoing investigation. However, the mayor's refusal to guarantee Caban's position in the long term suggests that the situation remains fluid.
In conclusion, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban's expected resignation amidst a federal corruption investigation has created turmoil within New York City's administration. The probe, which involves several top officials, has led to calls for Caban's departure from both conservative and progressive voices. Mayor Eric Adams faces a significant challenge as he navigates this crisis while preparing for reelection. The outcome of this investigation could have lasting impacts on the NYPD's leadership and the city's governance.
