NYPD commissioner promises to ‘restore honor’ after another scandal

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The NYPD commissioner promised to “turn the page” and  “restore honor” to her department on Monday following yet another scandal reaching into the top ranks of New York City’s law enforcement.

The comments by Jessica Tisch came during what is normally a happy event at police headquarters – a promotion ceremony.

"You must continue to lead with integrity and honor in all of your work," Tisch said. "That is my standard, and it is as clear as it is non-negotiable." 

Though she did not mention it specifically, Tisch's comments come after a tumultuous weekend for the department. Its highest-ranking uniformed officer, Chief of Department Jeff Maddrey, abruptly resigned amid allegations he traded overtime for sexual favors from a staffer, Lt. Quathisha Epps.

Epps said in a complaint that when she spoke up, Maddrey accused her of abusing the overtime system to make more than $400,000 last fiscal year.

"We are consciously and decisively turning the page to ensure that we always match the lofty ideals and values that make this department the envy of the world," Tisch said.

Tisch spent much of the ceremony seated next to her new interim Chief of Department, John Chell. Philip Rivera will get Chell's old job as Chief of Patrol.

Over the weekend, as the Maddrey scandal broke, the commissioner also quickly cast aside her Chief of Internal Affairs, Miguel Iglesias.

On Monday, during the ceremony, she promoted Edward Thompson to interim Chief of Internal Affairs, giving him notably with a warm embrace, whereas others getting promotions got a handshake.

Tisch was appointed police commissioner in the wake of numerous local and federal investigations into the administration of Mayor Eric Adams. Those probes led to the resignations of previous NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.

An interim police commissioner, Tom Donlon, was raided by the FBI. However, that was related to a decades-old investigation, according to officials.

At the end of her remarks, Tisch promised: "...to restore honor and distinction to this department."