The recent appointment of retired FBI official Tom Donlon as interim NYPD commissioner is an effort to restore the department’s image amid a federal investigation involving several police officials, according to sources familiar with the matter. Mayor Eric Adams’ choice of an outsider to the NYPD aims to regain public trust in the police force’s leadership following the scandal-ridden Commissioner Edward Caban, whose phone was seized by the feds last week when he resigned.
Donlon, a veteran federal lawman with a strong background and track record, is expected to be very active during his time as interim top cop for the nation’s largest police force. However, the exact duration of his tenure remains uncertain before Mayor Adams appoints a permanent commissioner.
As a Bronx native with extensive experience in law enforcement at local, state, federal, and international levels, Donlon has served as New York’s director of the Office of Homeland Security and led the FBI’s National Threat Assessment Center and the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Former colleagues who have worked with him on the joint task force expressed support for his appointment, describing him as a good administrator, smart, professional, and hands-on leader.
Former Gov. David Paterson, who hired Donlon as homeland security director, praised the incoming interim commish’s attention to detail and ability to address any issues he encounters. Donlon has also previously worked as a cold-case agent investigating various terror attacks, such as the 1993 Twin Towers bombing and the USS Cole attack in Yemen by al Qaeda. After working at Credit Suisse and Blackrock, he founded Global Security Resolutions, a New York City-based company offering security, protection, and investigative services.
Donlon’s past work with Adams dates back to their time together at New York’s Office of Homeland Security between 2009 and 2011 when Adams served on the state Senate’s homeland security committee. In a statement, Donlon expressed his honor and humility in being named interim commissioner for the NYPD, highlighting his goals to continue decreasing crime, uphold transparency and integrity standards, and support dedicated officers who risk their lives daily to keep New York City safe.
Despite these statements of support, not all sources were impressed with Donlon’s appointment, with some scoffing at him as an “empty suit.” Yusef Salaam’s representative from the City Council’s public safety committee refrained from forming an opinion on Donlon, and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams also held back judgment, stating that neither she nor her colleagues fully understand or know Donlon yet.
