Interim NYPD police commissioner sworn in as predecessor goes out the door

Former FBI agent Thomas G. Donlon was sworn in late Friday as interim NYPD commissioner, just minutes after the resignation of his predecessor, Edward Caban, took effect, amid a federal investigation that has enveloped City Hall and the police department.

Donlon, whose tenure in the FBI included involvement in major counterterrorism cases, took the oath of office from Chief of Personnel John Benoit in a brief ceremony at police headquarters in downtown Manhattan.

After the swearing in, Donlon, who was born in the Bronx and had been running a security firm after retiring from federal service, met briefly with about 25 NYPD chiefs and other executive staff, said an NYPD spokesman.

Following the group meeting with the executive staff, Donlon met with Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner for a briefing, the spokesman said. In the coming days Donlon is expected to be meeting individually with the chiefs and other executives.

Donlon takes over following Caban’s abrupt announcement Thursday that he was leaving because reports of a federal investigation that led to the seizure of his cellphone and those of other police officials had become too much of a distraction from crime fighting.

Neither Caban nor any one else has been charged with wrongdoing.

According to reports, the investigation is focusing on the business dealings of Caban's twin brother, James. Thursday, Caban’s attorneys said he was told by federal prosecutors that he was not the target of the investigation.

The NYPD moved fast when Caban’s tenure ended. His photos in police headquarters and NYPD websites were taken down when his duties ended at 5 p.m. Caban was not in the building Friday when Donlon entered headquarters, officials said.

Donlon is the sixth person to occupy the spot of commissioner, either interim or permanent, since January 2015. The department has about 33,400 officers and about 20,000 civilian employees.

Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said in a statement Thursday that he wished Donlon well but said the rank-and-file officers and the department are under stress with heavy work loads, physical attacks and attrition.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.