First Deputy Commissioner George A. Grasso and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly stand behind Chief of Detectives Phil T. Pulaski During a Press Conference to Announce His Appointment at Police Headquarters

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly announced the appointment of Phil T. Pulaski, former Deputy Commissioner Operations, to Chief of Detectives, Thursday, Oct. 8. Chief Pulaski succeeds former Chief of Detectives George F. Brown, who retired in September after a 40-year career with the NYPD.

Commissioner Kelly said:

“Good morning. I'm joined by First Deputy Commissioner George Grasso and Chief of Department Joseph Esposito to announce the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Operations Phil T. Pulaski as the new Chief of Detectives of the New York City Police Department.”

“This is a legendary post occupied over the years by legendary chiefs. Even so, Phil Pulaski brings to the Detective Bureau a level of experience, dedication and enthusiasm that is in a class of its own. He is an innovative thinker, strategist and implementer, who as Deputy Commissioner of Operations has been responsible for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the NYPD's crime reduction programs. ”

“And what a run he has had. Crime is down by more than 35% from where it was in 2001, at which time many thought crime could decline no further. And now we are on track to achieve the lowest murder total since valid comparisons could be made beginning 47 years ago.”

“This is due in no small part to Phil's efforts. Together with Chief Esposito, Chief Pulaski - as he did this morning - conducted the weekly CompStat process that is used to critically assess the NYPD's patrol and investigative operations. He has also been responsible for the Forensic Investigations Division that is comprised of the Bomb Squad, Police Laboratory, Crime Scene Unit, DNA Liaison Unit and Latent Print Section.”

“This experience alone would serve any Chief of Detectives well. But there's more to Chief Pulaski's resume than that. Shortly after September 11, 2001, Chief Pulaski was designated the Commanding Officer of the NYPD element of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, where, together with his FBI counterpart, he managed and directed investigations and intelligence operations into the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks and the anthrax attacks the following month. ”

“He has also served as Commanding Officer of the: Intelligence Division, Counter Terrorism Bureau, Detective Borough Manhattan, Detective Borough Bronx, Special Investigations Division, Forensic Investigations Division and the Arson & Explosion Squad. ”

“He has also served as a Managing Attorney in the Legal Bureau, acting Director of the Police Laboratory, an Internal Affairs Bureau Group Captain and, Coordinator of the NYPD's chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear / hazardous materials investigative programs.”

“Chief Pulaski holds a law degree from St. John's University School of Law, a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and a Master's degree in civil engineering from Manhattan College. Chief Pulaski joined the New York City Police Department in September 1980, and began his career as a Police Officer in Brooklyn's 77th Precinct before he joined the department; Chief Pulaski worked as a civil engineer for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. He has also taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. ”

“Congratulations, Phil.”

###