- New York City 10/31/2014 by Tish James (Public Advocate's Office)

NYPD Chief Philip Banks announced his resignation from the department after 28 years of service. Public Advocate Letitia James released the following statement:

“I am incredibly disappointed by today’s news that Chief Philip Banks III is resigning from the NYPD. He is a widely-respected leader. His service has made a real difference for our city.

The fact that just ten months into this administration, the top uniformed police officer believed that he had to resign in deeply troubling, especially on the heels of First Deputy Police Commissioner Rafael Pineiro’s retirement. I am most concerned about making sure the reforms promised to this city are real and lasting, and that our commitment to a diverse police leadership is unflinching,” said New York City Public Advocate Letitia James.