Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell shared news of her resignation in an email with her NYPD colleagues on Monday, June 12, as reported by multiple media outlets on Monday. Norwood News has obtained a copy of the email in which the commissioner talked of facing tremendous tragedy, challenges and triumphs together with her colleagues during her time as commissioner.

“I have witnessed your compassion, heroics and selflessness on a daily basis. They have reaffirmed to me, what people around the globe have always known: you are an extraordinary collective of hard working public servants dedicated to the safety of this city, engaging our communities and sharing what we know with our partners for the benefit of the world,” she said.

The commissioner went on to say that current NYPD members and their predecessors were the reason “the NYPD was known as the gold standard” in law enforcement. She spoke of the “absolute honor” of having spent time with line of duty families. “Their loss is immeasurable; their strength is incredible. I thank them for allowing me the privilege to know them and hear the stories of our fallen heroes,” she said.

Sewell added that she also had had the opportunity to meet many of the department’s retired members. “Their continued interest in, and pride for having served in this department exemplifies that the bonds of this family are long standing and far reaching,” she said.

“I have made the decision to step down from my position,” she wrote. “While my time here will come to a close, I will never step away from my advocacy and support for the NYPD, and I will always be a champion for the people of New York City.”

The commissioner added that she was acutely aware of the challenges faced by the NYPD both before she arrived and what members experience daily. “That is why I made your wellness one of my priorities. We cannot be expected to deliver the type and quality of police services that New Yorkers deserve unless we care for and protect the guardians of this city,” she wrote.

She highlighted some of the initiatives she had implemented during her tenure to enhance the well being of members, including allowing members “less appearances and more time with [their] family,” as well as significantly reducing last-minute forced overtime, preventing disruptions to members’ personal lives. Other initiatives included “a self-nomination portal for discretionary promotions, for outstanding members historically overlooked for advancement and professional development programs.”

Other initiatives included ensuring the disciplinary process focused on fairness and expediency, and appreciated the realities faced by members while policing the city. She said she hoped such initiatives would be “lasting hallmarks” of her focus on the well being of members.

She concluded by saying there were people all over the city who wanted and appreciated the NYPD. “They want safe streets, transit and housing. They are families, workers, tourists, business owners and students, and they depend on the NYPD,” she said.

With tremendous respect and admiration for her colleagues, Sewell appealed to members to continue to do what she said they do well to secure the city. “Thank you for stepping forward and as always, stay safe. Please.”

The commissioner later shared on Tuesday, June 13, an open letter to the people of the City of New York, a copy of which is attached above.

Photos shared on social media and by the NY Post of the commissioner inside City Hall on Monday raised speculation that the 45th police commissioner was on her way to meet Mayor Eric Adams to tender her resignation. The timing of the seemingly abrupt decision to step down after around one and half years on the job is unknown. New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued the following statement on Monday following Sewell’s resignation.

“I want to thank Police Commissioner Sewell for her devotion over the last 18 months and her steadfast leadership. Her efforts played a leading role in this administration’s tireless work to make New York City safer,” Adams said.