Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly announced today that Deputy Commissioner for Public Information Michael O’Looney will resign effective January 15th, 2004 to join Merrill Lynch as Vice President of
Corporate Communications.

“Michael O’Looney is a consummate professional who did an outstanding job of communicating to the public on behalf of the Police Department during a historical and transformational period in our history,” Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said. “I thank him for his service and wish him only the best in the months ahead.” Deputy Commissioner O’Looney joined the Police Department in January 2002. Prior to that he was a correspondent with WCBS Television and CBS News.

“It has been an honor to serve with the greatest Police Department in the world. I want to thank Commissioner Kelly for giving me the opportunity. This has been the most rewarding experience of my life and I have enjoyed every minute. I have tremendous respect for the talent and dedication of the Executive Staff and the entire organization. I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his kindness and for leading New York through one of its most difficult periods. I also want to thank the New York City press corps for doing an outstanding job of providing one of the most important functions in our society – keeping the public well informed. I look forward to joining the team at Merrill Lynch, another world-class organization,” said Deputy Commissioner O’Looney.

Police Commissioner Kelly also announced that Paul J. Browne, Deputy Commissioner for Administration, will succeed Deputy Commissioner O’Looney effective January 15. Commissioner Browne began his career in journalism, serving as the Albany correspondent and bureau chief for various publications, including the Watertown Daily Times, the New York Law Journal and the New York Daily News. He was also a long-time stringer for the New York Times in Albany. He also served as press secretary and chief of staff for the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and in various law enforcement posts in the U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, and as Deputy Director of the International Police Monitors in Haiti.