Highest-Ranking NYPD Officer Steps Down Amid Misconduct Allegations|
New York City’s top uniformed police officer resigned on Friday night after sexual misconduct allegations that set in motion both city and federal investigations into a series of recent controversies and turmoil roiling the New York City Police Department.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch accepted Maddrey’s resignation, noting that the department takes every allegation of sexual misconduct very seriously and will conduct an investigation.
Mayor Eric Adams, who had been Maddrey’s most vocal public supporter, announced a citywide review to ensure senior officers do not abuse their positions of power. The mayor’s spokesperson expressed deep concern about the allegations.
According to reports in The New York Post, Maddrey traded overtime chances for sexual favors, an incident that occurred at Police Headquarters. In another incident, Captain Gabrielle Walls claimed Maddrey continued harassment against her, citing persistent unwanted advances and even some instances where she had to hide in her office so he would not find her.
Federal agencies-the Department of Justice and the FBI-as well as the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, are now examining allegations of sexual misconduct and overtime fraud.
Maddrey served as chief of department for two years and supervised crime-fighting strategies and operational plans for the NYPD. Chief of Patrol John Chell has been appointed interim chief.
This Captain Walls, who had also formerly filed a sexual harassment complaint against another NYPD chief for allegedly making lewd overtures to her years back, was relieved by this news. She says others in the department have urged her to speak out “because the NYPD has an obligation to take corrective actions to change systemic harassment and abuse.
Maddrey’s resignation is part of a series of changes in leadership within the NYPD. Commissioner Tisch was recently appointed by Mayor Adams. She is the fourth commissioner within less than two years. Her predecessor, Keechant Sewell, had resigned after claims of being undermined by political interference in her authority.
Commissioner Tisch is now tasked with restoring stability and trust within the department, which has been marred by allegations of corruption, internal conflicts, and misconduct at the highest levels.
The NYPD, the nation’s largest police force with approximately 50,000 employees, remains under intense scrutiny as these investigations unfold.
