Holmes becomes first woman to serve as NYPD Chief of Patrol

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Juanita Holmes is the NYPD’s new chief of patrol. Photo courtesy of NYPD

Juanita Holmes is the NYPD’s new chief of patrol. Photo courtesy of NYPD

By David Brand 

Former Queens North Borough Commander Juanita Holmes continues breaking barriers in the New York City Police Department.

On Thursday, Commissioner Dermot Shea appointed Holmes as the NYPD’s new Chief of Patrol, making her the highest-ranking uniformed woman in department history. She is also the highest ranking Black woman in NYPD history and the department’s first-ever female chief of patrol.

Last month, Shea appointed Holmes chief of collaborative policing after she served as chief of the School Safety Division beginning in December 2019.

Holmes, the first Black woman to run a borough command, returned to the force in December 2019 after briefly taking a lucrative job in financial security.

“I decided to come back because it’s more fulfilling than the private sector,” Holmes told the Eagle earlier this year. “I grew up in the police department. I matured here [and] I missed it.”

Holmes replaces ex-Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo, who retired following a reported dispute with Mayor Bill de Blasio.

In her new position, Holmes will oversee the city’s eight borough commands. She has deep roots in Queens after beginning her career as a school safety agent in Far Rockaway in the 1980s. 

She also has strong ties in the police department, where sixteen of her family members work.

Shea also announced several other appointments Thursday, including Chief Edward Delatorre to Chief of Labor Relations, Assistant Chief Kim Royster to Chief of Transportation, Assistant Chief Kathleen O’Reilly to Chief of Transit, Deputy Chief Philip Rivera to Borough Commander of Manhattan North and Inspector Olufunmilola Obe to Commander of the School Safety Division.

“I am privileged to elevate each of these distinguished longtime NYPD leaders,” Shea said. “Each of these commanders has shown exceptional vision in helping to steer the Department through the advancements of the last several years and each uniquely reflects the values and concerns of the citizens we serve.