New York City Mayor Eric Adams appointed Chauncey Parker as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety on Tuesday, October 15th. Parker, a seasoned public servant with nearly 40 years of experience in law enforcement, will now be tasked with coordinating safety efforts across city agencies. This move comes at a crucial time as New York continues to see a reduction in overall crime rates, marking nine consecutive months of decline under Adams’ leadership.
Mayor Adams highlighted Parker’s ability to build partnerships between law enforcement and communities, stating, “Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and I can think of no one better to help lead our efforts to keep New Yorkers safe than Chauncey Parker.” Alongside Parker, Mona Suazo was also named Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, bringing nearly 19 years of public service experience to the role.
Parker, who has previously served as Deputy Commissioner for Collaborative Policing with the NYPD, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing public safety challenges. “In my almost 40 years of public service, the most important thing I have learned is the power of partnerships,” Parker said. He aims to strengthen collaborations between government and community organizations to tackle issues such as youth crime, subway safety, and drug overdoses.
Suazo’s appointment was also praised, with many in law enforcement and community organizations commending her commitment to public safety and community engagement. Suazo, known for her work with immigrant communities and human trafficking survivors, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the city’s safety efforts.
Parker’s long career includes roles as executive director of the New York/New Jersey High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, assistant U.S. attorney, and director of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. His broad experience and leadership are expected to bolster New York’s public safety initiatives as the city continues to navigate ongoing safety concerns and improve the quality of life for residents.
This appointment is seen as part of Mayor Adams’ broader vision to keep New York the safest large city in the country, with both Parker and Suazo playing key roles in ensuring continued progress in public safety.
