NEW YORK — In an effort to stabilize a city administration currently facing multiple challenges, including investigations and a recent indictment, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Jessica Tisch as the new police commissioner on Wednesday. Tisch, the former sanitation commissioner, is notable for being the second woman ever to hold this prestigious and demanding position within the city’s law enforcement framework.

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the New York Police Department (NYPD), which has recently experienced leadership turmoil following the departure of former commissioner Edward Caban in September due to a federal probe. Just days later, Thomas Donlon, who took over as interim commissioner, revealed that he, too, had faced inquiries from the FBI.

At 43 years old, Tisch has built a robust career within New York City’s government, having served for the past 16 years in various leadership capacities across multiple agencies. She garnered public attention while serving as the sanitation commissioner after boldly stating in 2022, “The rats don’t run the city, we do,” which earned her some fame on platforms like TikTok.

Although Tisch has never served as a street-level police officer, she is well-versed in the workings of city administration. Her career in public service began in the NYPD’s counterterrorism bureau, where she played a vital role as the planning and policy director. In that capacity, she contributed to shaping the department’s security measures following the September 11 attacks, implementing mobile radiation detectors and developing a digital tool for quick access to surveillance systems and license plate readers.

In her role as deputy commissioner for information technology, Tisch pushed for significant advancements including the adoption of body-worn cameras and smartphones for officers, improving 911 dispatch operations, introducing a gunshot detection system, and enhancing radio connectivity for police within subway systems. Reflecting on her commitment to public service, Tisch mentioned in a Harvard alumni publication last year, “Once I started, I never wanted to stop.”