Keechant Sewell: New York’s first black police chief

From January, a black woman will head the New York police for the first time: Keechant Sewell will not only have to deal with the gun violence, but also with the lack of trust on the part of many citizens.

It looks unusual – at first sight. No New York police chief has ever had such a warm smile. But Keechant Sewell’s voice leaves no doubt that she can do it differently: “My shoes are laced. I’m ready to start work,” promises the 49-year-old, who will be in command of around 36,000 police officers from January.

The selection of New York’s future mayor – her ex-colleague – Eric Adams, is a historic one, says Sewell and promises: “As the first woman and the third black person to lead the New York police force in its 176-year history, bring me I am using a new approach. “

And the hot one: humanity and inclusion. It was no coincidence that Adams chose this location for the presentation of his new chief of police: A community center in the poor part of Queens Sewell grew up in, in a public housing estate: “The Queensbridge Houses are part of my history. I wish my parents could Show the apartment in which you have given me a purpose, commitment and self-confidence, “she says. “And I address my word to all girls: There is nothing that you cannot do. And no one you cannot become.”

Fight against the glut of firearms

Sewell became a policewoman body and soul. Was on the street as a patrol, gave up criminals in the anti-drug department, proved himself in a unit for particularly serious criminal cases and was a negotiator in hostage-taking. She was part of the New York and New Jersey Terrorism Task Force. She has been a chief investigator in the Nassau borough, east of New York City, for 23 years.

Now Adams is making Sewell the head of the largest police force in the United States – and she knows: “It takes more than good judgment to run a department this size. It takes emotional intelligence to break down the barriers that exist between the police and the population still exists. “

That should be your biggest challenge. Since the “Black Lives Matter” protests last year, there has been a discussion in the metropolis about reform and downsizing the police force. Many New Yorkers do not trust her and accuse her of tolerating violent, racist and corrupt officials in her ranks. At the same time, the city is fighting against increasing crime – especially with firearms.

Sensitivity as strength

Adams has already made it clear: there will be no downsizing of the police with him. The ex-police officer repeatedly suggests that he is also in favor of a new version of the controversial “Stop and Frisk” method from the era of his predecessor Mike Bloomberg. The tactic allows people to be stopped and searched without specific suspicion. Human rights activists sharply criticize this as potentially discriminatory. With Sewell’s appointment, Adams may seek to appease such critics. She emphasizes: she is not afraid to be sensitive, because sensitivity is a strength.

And Adams emphasizes: New York needs it to get out of the crisis. “Without public safety, this city will not recover from the devastation of the pandemic. If we are not sure, we will not be able to reopen the city as we should,” he says.

The future police chief agrees: In her new role, she wants to focus on combating violent crimes. This is her top priority.