In a furious address to the Policewomen’s Endowment Association last month, NYPD Chief of Police Keechant Sewell said she had suffered sexism and second-guessing from individuals who “don’t know any better.”
In a hypothetical but very personal warning to a future female police commissioner, Sewell stated, “You will receive free, unasked-for personal advice: ‘Your haircut is incorrect, you look tired, and you’re already worn out in less than a year.’” You should wear distinct attire. You are ineligible. You are out of your depth.
Sewell, the first woman in history to command the NYPD, stated, “None of this is true” during her 5-and-a-half-minute statement at the PEA’s 101st Annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner Dance on November 18.
The controversial statement went unnoticed by the media at the time, but was brought to the attention of The Post this week.
In a furious address to the Policewomen’s Endowment Association last month, NYPD Chief of Police Keechant Sewell said she had suffered sexism and second-guessing from individuals who “don’t know any better.”
NYPD PEA/Instagram
Sewell, 50, received a standing ovation from the crowd of hundreds. According to an NYPD insider, the Mayor’s office was angered by her assessment, which traveled across the department.
“It’s an attack on the administration,” stated the person. Regarding respect.
Sewell’s statement, which was captured on video and shared on the PEA’s Instagram page, was a letter of instruction to a prospective successor.
“Dear Second Woman to be the Police Commissioner of New York City,” she started. “Whether you are in this room tonight or reading this in the future, I am taking stock in the eleventh month of my term and writing to you.”
Sewell, 50, received a standing ovation from the hundreds of attendees, but her criticism did not sit well with the Mayor’s office, according to an NYPD insider.
Daniel William McKnight for the New York Times
“You are unique,” she admonished. “You will be treated accordingly. Do not take offense when individuals who do not know you identify you to others. Try not to take it personally when strangers share your opinions with others. Understand that you will be second-guessed and advised what to say and write by individuals with half your expertise. They lack common sense.”
When you are not a pushover, you will be referred to as difficult. When you insist on doing things your way, you do not listen. You are paranoid. Many find your entire existence problematic. However, I, along with every woman in the room and every woman with dirt on her face in the arena, is relying on you. You are no experiment. You are not a tick-boxer. This is neither a social promotion nor a gift.”
A little more than a year ago, Mayor-elect Eric Adams selected Sewell, then the Nassau County Chief of Detectives, to lead the NYPD – a startling, close-to-home selection from a worldwide pool of experienced top women detectives.
Sewell’s eloquent address, captured on video and shared on the PEA’s Instagram account, took the form of a letter of advice to a future successor.
Getty Pictures
A few weeks before becoming the city’s 45th chief of police, Sewell told The Post in an exclusive interview last year, “I’m here to meet the moment.”
“You don’t have to be loud to be strong,” Sewell counseled her successor. One need not swear to be taken seriously. Kindness is not a sign of weakness. “Silent proficiency is a strength.”
She continued, “You must advocate for women who manage families, promotions, and special tasks while being neglected, undervalued, and disregarded.” And some of the finest police officers and individuals I’ve ever encountered.”
“Some are attempting to blend in while they are designed to stand out,” argued Sewell. Even though your legs are fatigued, you must stand up for what is right. Take a pause if your voice shakes before issuing a straight command. You are not a victim, and no one should pity you. You are the one who volunteered to lead 35,000 Type-A personalities [cops] and 17,000 highly committed souls [civilian personnel] to ensure the protection and security of 8.8 million people, and that… obligation is no longer gender-specific.”
A few weeks before becoming the city’s 45th chief of police, Sewell told The Post in an exclusive interview last year, “I’m here to meet the moment.”
Paul Martinka
A few weeks before becoming the city’s 45th chief of police, Sewell told The Post in an exclusive interview last year, “I’m here to meet the moment.”
In conclusion, Sewell stated, “YOU symbolize advancement. YOU symbolize opportunity. It is a big duty with enormous difficulties. Take it like a lady.”
The speech received tremendous accolades.
A female employee of the NYPD who attended the event told The Post, “Her remarks moved me in so many ways because women are frequently undervalued, insulted, and underpaid in the workplace.” The Police Commissioner is paving the path for future female leaders, and many young girls look up to her as a “Shero.”
Joseph Giacalone, a former NYPD sergeant and adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, described Sewell’s address as a “message of empowerment” that women in the NYPD “need to hear” because they face difficulties in the police force. The position is still dominated by men.
Giacalone stated that Sewell was “calling individuals out,” but that he did not view this as an indictment on Adams or Philip Banks III, a former NYPD leader and current deputy mayor of public safety.
“She is qualified for this position. He stated, “I don’t believe Adams and Banks have given her an opportunity to shine.”
The Post stated that less than two weeks after Sewell’s speech, the NYPD was “blindsided” by Adams’ revelation that certain homeless persons may be detained for psychiatric assessments.
Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, who has a tumultuous past that includes a sex-harassment lawsuit, became the department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer last week. On Friday, the NYPD experienced a dramatic shakeup with 18 additional changes in police command.
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