NYPD Chief of Department John Chell to announce retirement from force: report | amNewYork

"NYPD Chief of Department John Chell is expected to announce his retirement later this week after over 30 years with the department, according to a published report. The New York Daily News reported Monday that Chell informed associates he is preparing to retire and could submit his paperwork as soon as this week. The Mayor's office and the NYPD, however, have not yet confirmed the reports, as they have not responded to requests for comment from amNewYork about the matter."

"Earlier this year, the city's Department of Investigation released a report finding that Chell and other top NYPD officials used official social media accounts unprofessionally, contributing to what the agency described as unproductive public discourse. Among the cited incidents were Chell's online criticism of a judge he mistakenly identified in a pretrial release case, his public sparring with progressive attorney Olayemi Olurin following her radio interview with Mayor Eric Adams, and his attacks on columnist Harry Siegel over an error in a piece about subway crime."

"Chell, who became the NYPD's highest-ranking uniformed officer last December, oversees more than 15,000 uniformed personnel and about 3,000 civilian members. Before his promotion, he served as chief of patrol. Throughout his career, Chell has developed a reputation for his blunt, outspoken style and has irked progressive lawmakers for his fiery social media posts and appearances on right-wing outlets like Newsmax."

Chell informed associates he is preparing to retire and could submit his paperwork this week. The Mayor's office and the NYPD have not confirmed or responded to requests for comment. He intends to apply for a disability pension that would provide a tax-free lifetime benefit equal to 75% of his salary, citing an ankle injury sustained on duty at Randalls Island last year. Chell became the department's highest-ranking uniformed officer last December and oversees thousands of uniformed and civilian members. He has a blunt, outspoken reputation and has drawn criticism for fiery social media posts and appearances on right-wing outlets. A city Department of Investigation report found top NYPD officials used official social accounts unprofessionally.

Read at www.amny.com