
Thomas Chan, 55, was named the new chief of NYPD Community Affairs Bureau Friday, making him the first Asian American holding a two-star NYPD title, according to Daily News.
Chan previously was a commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. He took the place of Chief Philip Banks III, who was named chief of NYPD in March.
“Chief Chan has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to build bridges between the police department and New York City’s richly diverse communities,” said Raymond Kelly, NYPD commissioner in a statement Thursday.
As head of the community policing initiative, Chan will oversee staff members who are committed to building a good relationship with community leaders, civic organizations and the public. He will also supervise the Juvenile Justice Division that has 5,000 school safety agents.
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From @Deborahdash via Twitter re: Asian American Police Chief Grew Up in Housing Project: "A rise-up story"