Perhaps the most important job is the commissioner of the biggest police force in the country, the person who will replace Ray Kelly.
"Again, I haven't been asked yet. I'm not applying for job. But if asked, I'll certainly consider it, but I'm not submitting an application if you will. Despite one columnist, I'm not campaigning for the job," Bill Bratton said.
Bill Bratton was coy about whether he might go to work for Bill de Blasio as his police commissioner come January 1.
Bratton's certainly well-qualified after leading police departments in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. In LA, he was forced to reform police procedure on stop and frisk, something the next police commissioner will have to grapple with here.
But he admits returning won't be easy.
"No seriously, that is one of the decisions, life is pretty good, no 3 o'clock in the morning phone calls. At the same time, there' s nothing like the public sector. You get up every day, you can make a difference. In case of New York, eight million lives," Bratton said.
De Blasio reportedly is also considering Rafel Piniero, a first deputy police commissioner, and he's met with de Blasio.
And Philip Banks is also in the mix. He's the NYPD's current chief of department.
On Sunday, he addressed about 200 officers. Public Advocate-elect Tish James likes his message.
"And the message was the following: One, respect the community. Two, we need to prevent crime that's the way to keep reducing crime. Three, we need to engage in more community policing. And four, you need to treat individuals like you would your own family members," James said.
De Blasio also may be considering DC Chief Cathy Lanier.
But a spokesperson for the mayor-elect said, "Every name that's out there is nothing more than speculation at this point. The transition is focused on identifying a commissioner with the experience and leadership to effectively run the NYPD, keep New Yorkers safe, and who is committed to bringing police and community back together."
