Adams replaces Richards as chair of Council’s police oversight committee

Councilmember Adrienne Adams was appointed chair of the Committee on Public Safety. Eagle file photo by Paul Frangipane

By David Brand

Southeast Queens Councilmember Adrienne Adams has been appointed chair of the body’s NYPD oversight committee, replacing former Queens colleague Donovan Richards.

Adams, a first-term member representing District 28, was named chair of the Committee on Public Safety by Speaker Corey Johnson Friday. The position opened when Richards left the Council to take office as Queens borough president earlier this month.

Johnson said Adams “will push the NYPD to be more transparent and practice smart and fair law enforcement, and I look forward to working with her and all committee members to make our city stronger.”

The committee also has oversight of the Civilian Complaint Review Board and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. 

Adams said she will use the role to “increase public confidence and improve the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

“I look forward to working within this capacity, with my colleagues on the committee, and the entire City Council to move New York City into a more unified progressive direction,” she said.