Jessica Tisch was sworn in as the 48th Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Monday, November 25th, becoming the second woman in the department’s 179-year history to lead the nation’s largest police force. The Harvard-educated public servant, 43, is also the fourth person to hold the role under Mayor Eric Adams.
At the swearing-in ceremony at 1 Police Plaza, Tisch stood beside her children and placed her hand on her grandmother’s Bible as Mayor Adams administered the oath of office. In her remarks, Tisch expressed her vision for restoring public trust and confidence in the NYPD. “My greatest hope is that together we will return this noble undertaking, this job of high moral purpose, to a time and a place where you want your children, your grandchildren, your nieces, your nephews to follow in your footsteps and become police officers,” Tisch said.
Tisch brings experience to the role, including 16 years in city government and 12 years with the NYPD as Deputy Commissioner for Information Technology. During her tenure, she introduced innovations such as body-worn cameras, gunshot-detection systems, and improved 911 dispatching. Most recently, she served as Sanitation Commissioner, where she gained attention for her leadership on the city’s containerized trash program.
Mayor Adams praised Tisch’s leadership and innovation, stating, “We know how to keep people safe. But we must turn the corner. [We] must bring the innovation and the thought processing that Commissioner Tisch brought during her first time here and what she brought into DSNY. A good manager can manage anywhere.
Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton also highlighted Tisch’s preparedness for the role, noting the department’s significant challenges ahead. “The NYPD has phenomenal challenges in the years ahead, so it’s good to have someone on the 14th floor that understands the department, its capabilities and limitations,” Bratton said.
As Tisch steps into her role, she acknowledged the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce crime, enhance public safety, and address quality-of-life concerns for all New Yorkers. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that the NYPD remains focused on creating a safer environment for residents while rebuilding trust within the community.
