Juanita Holmes Appointed New Commissioner of New York City Department of Probation

Mayor Eric Adams announced on Thursday, March 9th, the appointment of Juanita Holmes as the new Commissioner of the New York City Department of Probation. Before her appointment as the Commissioner of the Department of Probation, Holmes was the chief of training for the NYPD. In her new role, Holmes will lead her department and manage New York’s probation officers as they carry out their duties.

“Commissioner Holmes is a dynamic leader who understands the importance of both safety and justice, and is the right choice to move this department forward for the residents of New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “Her vision to enhance the department’s focus on upstream solutions to aid people leaving the criminal justice system and combat recidivism are critical to our mission to keep New York the safest big city in America.”

Commissioner Holmes is a vastly experienced member of the NYPD. She has been with the force since July 1987, serving for over 35 years. She has steadily climbed the career ladder, starting off on patrol, at one point serving as a commanding officer of the 81st Precinct and serving in the battle against family violence as the chief of the NYPD’s Domestic Violence Unit. 

In 2016, Holmes became the first Black woman to serve as borough commander, overseeing eight precincts in Queens North. When Holmes became Chief of Patrol in 2020, she oversaw 16,800 police officers serving in 77 precincts in the city. At that time, she was the highest-ranking Black woman in the NYPD. She successfully introduced the Girl Talk and Blue Chips mentorship programs.

“Throughout my career, I have focused on ensuring that our young people and all members of our communities receive the services that they deserve and that they remain on the right track, including increasing collaboration across city departments and agencies to serve the New Yorkers that we encounter,” said DOP Commissioner Holmes. “I would like to thank the mayor for this opportunity, and I look forward to building on the great work of this department focusing on enforcement, structure, treatment, and support to create a safer New York.”

While still chief of training, Commissioner Holmes disagreed with NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell over the removal of a 1.5-mile run. 

Though the two commissioners disagreed, Commissioner Sewell congratulated her colleague. 

“Chief Juanita Holmes served the Police Department and this city for over 30 years. Her appointment as commissioner of the Department of Probation furthers Mayor Adams’ vision for public safety in this city,” said NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. “The Department of Probation has long been an instrumental partner of the NYPD and we wish incoming Commissioner Holmes well as we look forward to strengthening this important relationship.”