NYPD’s new Chief of Department served Brooklyn precincts in past roles

January 2, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

NYPD Chief of Patrol, Chief John Chell speaks at a news conference outside the United Nations Headquarters, Friday Sept. 20, 2024. Photo: Stefan Jeremiah/AP

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CITYWIDE — THE NYPD’S NEWLY-NAMED CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT JOHN CHELL has served several Brooklyn precincts during his 30-year tenure with the nation’s largest police department. Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch on Dec. 31 announced the official appointment of John Chell, who had served as Interim Chief of Department following the Dec. 20 resignation of Jeffrey Maddrey, after he stepped down abruptly following accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse of overtime privileges.

Chell’s new appointment makes him the NYPD’s highest-ranking uniformed officer. He is in charge of overseeing the Department’s crime-fighting strategies, quality of life initiatives, and operational plans. Before serving as Interim Chief of Department, Chell had served as Chief of Patrol. During which time, according to the NYPD, the city saw an overall reduction in crime and shooting violence. Previously, Chell served as the Commanding Officer of the 61st, 75th and 79th precincts, as well as Detective Borough Brooklyn North and Detective Borough Brooklyn South. Chell was awarded the Medal of Valor in 2000.

However, while still chief of patrol, Chell faced criticism last February after using social media to name a NY State Supreme Court judge who, in the NYPD’s view, had been too lenient on someone that police said is a repeat offender. An investigation later revealed that Chell had misidentified the judge in question.

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