Caban has served as acting police commissioner since July 1 when Keechant Sewell announced she would step down.
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Caban called himself a true New Yorican - third generation, raised in the Bronx, with roots in Ponce. He and three of his brothers joined the department with their dad's encouragement.
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"My father kept on telling me, 'Take those exams, you want to go to the top,'" adds Caban.
Mayor Eric Adams' announcement of the historic appointment was a full-circle moment for Caban. It was held at the 40th Precinct in the Bronx, where his career started in 1991.
Adams said he worked as a transit officer with Caban's father. Caban said it was is father, Juan, who pushed him to take exams for promotions and helped him get to this point.
"The city of New York had over 2,000 homicides. About 5,000 shootings. We would go to shootings every single day. It was a tough time. And now...we've come a long way. But we still have a lot of work to do for our residents of the city of New York," Caban said.
Caban said it was not lost on him how important this moment was, not just for him, but for the younger generation.
Caban and Adams also discussed Sewell's impact and thanked her for the work she did while in office.
NYC police commissioner Caban faces series of challenges
Former NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said he is happy with the decision.
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"City Hall is comfortable with him ... they trust him, that's important with any with any job. You grow into it, and he already has one leg up to be the first deputy. So I'm really happy with this. And I think the whole job is better off for it and the city as well," Boyce said.
The mayor also announced his replacement as first deputy commissioner will be Tania Kinsella, the first woman of color to serve in that role in NYPD history.
"I'm once again extremely proud to break and shatter the glass ceiling," the mayor said.
A 20-year veteran of the NYPD, Kinsella has also served at several precincts across the five boroughs, where she has held numerous positions such as captain, commanding officer, deputy inspector, and inspector. She became executive officer at the Office of the Chief of Patrol in 2022, where she was subsequently promoted to deputy chief.
"Aside from being a mother, working as a police officer is the most deeply rewarding job I can imagine, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to do even more for the city I love," Kinsella said.
Adams said the NYPD has an "image problem" and a lack of diversity that he is determined to rectify.
"Congratulations to our new police commissioner and first deputy commissioner for breaking these barriers," the mayor's spokesperson said.
PBA President Patrick Hendry released a comment on Caban's appointment saying: "We congratulate Commissioner Caban on his permanent appointment. We know he knows what New York City police officers are going through right now, and that strong leadership is needed to reverse the current staffing crisis. There is no time to waste. We look forward to getting back to work with him immediately to improve quality-of-life for our police officers and ensure public safety for our entire city."
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