The New York Mets have announced the induction of Keechant Sewell, former NYPD commissioner, into their ranks in a newly created position dedicated to supervising the organization’s safety protocols and enhancing the guest experience.
Sewell’s appointment is scheduled to take effect on November 27.
Katie Haas, Mets’ Executive Vice President, lauded Sewell’s addition to the team: “Keechant’s expertise in public service, law and safety, as well as collaboration with the public, will allow us to take our Security and Guest Experience to the next level.”
Sewell is charged with revitalizing the Mets’ approach to security and guest services at Citi Field while also nurturing the organization’s ties with the local community and law enforcement.
Sewell’s move to the Mets follows her recent departure from the NYPD, where she made history as the first woman to lead the department.
She held her post from January 2022 until her resignation in June. During her brief, yet impactful, tenure, Sewell oversaw a reduction in certain crime rates, including a significant decrease in homicides.
Her leadership also involved managing the department through several crises, such as the fatal shootings of two police officers shortly after she took office.
The Police Benevolent Association’s president, Patrick Lynch, acknowledged her significant contributions, stating Sewell’s leadership will be “sorely missed.”
Known for her reserved public profile, Sewell’s leadership at the NYPD came with challenges, including speculation about her autonomy within the department.
This speculation was partly fueled by Mayor Adams’ decision to appoint Philip Banks, a former NYPD chief, as deputy mayor of public safety, who then took a more public-facing role in addressing crime in the city.
Despite these challenges, Mayor Adams has expressed gratitude for Sewell’s service, crediting her for playing a “leading role” in the administration’s efforts to make New York City safer amid rising crime rates when he first took office.
Ascending to the role of the 45th police commissioner, Keechant Sewell transitioned from her previous position as the chief of detectives at the Nassau County Police Department, where she served for 25 years.
Originating from Queens, Sewell’s policing journey spanned over two decades within Nassau County’s suburban precincts. Her move to the NYPD marked the first instance in over twenty years that someone led the department from outside its ranks.
