FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2016 file photo, New York City Police Department Chief of Department James O'Neill speaks during a news conference, in New York's City Hall. Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea succeeds O’Neill on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, as commissioner of the New York Police Department. The 62-year-old O’Neill is retiring after 36 years with the department, the last three as commissioner. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
Republished November 30, 2019 - 4:09 PM
Original Publication Date November 30, 2019 - 3:01 PM
NEW YORK - It’s a changing of the guard at the top of the nation’s largest police department.
Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea succeeds James O’Neill on Sunday as commissioner of the New York Police Department.
The 62-year-old O’Neill is retiring after 36 years with the department, the last three as commissioner.
He won’t be out of work long. He starts Monday as global security chief at credit card giant Visa Inc.
The 50-year-old Shea started as a Bronx patrolman in 1991 and gained prominence in the department as a crime stats guru.
Mayor Bill de Blasio says he’s "one of the best-prepared” incoming commissioners the city has seen.
As commissioner, Shea will have to contend with looming bail reforms, pressure to reduce arrests and dissent among some of the department's 36,000 officers.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019