New NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Vows to Shake Up Status Quo, Focus on Substance Over Drama
Newly appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is ready to bring change to the department, emphasizing her focus on “substance” over “palace intrigue” and vowing to challenge the “status quo” if it’s not serving New Yorkers' safety.
In an interview with The Post, Tisch, 43, expressed her determination to prioritize public safety and improve the quality of life for residents, even if it means making tough decisions. “I care less about the palace intrigue and more about the substance of the work,” she said, acknowledging the turmoil within the department, including ongoing federal corruption investigations.
Tisch, who served as the head of the Department of Sanitation before her appointment, hinted at potential changes to strengthen public safety. “I think New York City is exceptional, and that doesn’t mean accepting the status quo when it doesn’t serve New Yorkers,” she said.
With over 12 years of experience with the NYPD as a civilian, Tisch is committed to the department’s core mission of keeping New Yorkers safe. She acknowledged that while crime has been on the decline in recent months, many residents still don’t feel safe. “The mission is to keep New Yorkers safe, feel safe, and improve the quality of life,” she emphasized.
Tisch, who has two young children, expressed a personal connection to her role: “I want to protect New Yorkers and their kids the way I protect mine.” She also praised the bravery of NYPD officers, calling them “noble” for running toward danger when others flee.
Her appointment makes Tisch the fourth police commissioner under Mayor Eric Adams’ three-year tenure, and she is the second woman to hold the role in NYPD history.
Tisch’s deep ties to the NYPD date back to her earlier career, where she began as a research specialist focused on terrorism alerts and eventually rose to deputy commissioner of information technology. She also served as the city's chief information officer and commissioner of the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
Looking ahead, Tisch expressed excitement about her return to the NYPD, calling it “home,” and praised the gift of 1,600 new police officers provided by Mayor Adams’ recent recruitments. “Of course, it will help,” she said of the new recruits.
Tisch also emphasized her leadership experience, stating, “I’m a 17-year veteran of city government. I’ve run two different agencies,” and is eager to continue building strong relationships with NYPD unions, just as she did with the sanitation workers’ union.
Her tenure is set to begin on Monday, and Tisch is already charting her course to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.