The safety of New Yorkers is the biggest thing on the mind of NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban.
After serving as supervisor at the NYPD for the better part of three decades, Caban now finds himself responsible for tens of thousands of cops, who’ve been driving crime numbers down – even though the public repeatedly says they don’t feel any safer.
While the number of shooting and shooting victims have trended downwards over the past year, the number of illegal guns on the streets is a call for concern.
According to Caban, who spoke to Eyewitness News, all of the positive stats in the world won’t mean anything if people still don’t feel safe.
“We’re knocking down violence. We’re knocking down shootings. The enforcement is up, we’re putting our officers in the right places to engage with our community to let them know we’re here for you,” said Caban. “We want them to not only be safe, but we want them to feel safe, too.”
Caban is the first Latino police commissioner in the history of the NYPD.
His appointment comes after an 18-month stint by former Commissioner Keechant Sewell, who resigned amid reports of tension with City Hall, over management of the department.
Something not at all unusual in NYPD history, but Caban says he and Mayor Eric Adams are in lockstep.
“I think we’re in lockstep because share a common goal. That’s protecting every nyer and keeping our city safe,” said Caban.
On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams joined Caban at the 40th Precinct in the Bronx, where the latter’s own career started in 1991.
Beyond the department, however, Caban’s new role will find him tasked with addressing public perception of high crime.
As a recent poll from Siena College suggests, most New Yorkers fear they will soon be victims of violent crime.
One in five New Yorkers have admitted to buying a gun for protection, and three in five feared they would be victims of a crime.
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