James O’Neill to become NYPD commissioner: What to know about the chief of department

• Wall Street Journal article, O’Neill considered leaving the police force and joining the private sector a few years after he was transferred from the narcotics department in 2008. He had been head of the narcotics unit until a scandal unfolded with some officers rewarding informants with drugs. Bratton convinced O’Neill to stay in the department and made him chief when he became commissioner. ” data-id=”112123374″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/14316_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.12123374″/>

James, or Jimmy, O’Neill will become the next NYPD commissioner after serving as the chief of department since 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. As the highest ranking officer in the department, O’Neill will take the place of Bill Bratton, who is set to retire in September.

Here are six things to know about the new commissioner.