Jessica Tisch is an American public administrator currently serving as the 48th New York City Police Commissioner, a position she has held since November 2024. She is the second woman to lead the NYPD in its 179-year history.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 21, 1981, Jessica Tisch is the daughter of James S. Tisch, CEO of Loews Corporation, and Merryl Tisch, former Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents. She earned both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University in 2008.
Career in Public Service
Tisch began her public service career in 2008 as an Intelligence Research Specialist in the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Bureau. She subsequently served as Counsel to the Police Commissioner and Director of Policy and Planning for the Counterterrorism Bureau.
In November 2019, she was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications under Mayor Bill de Blasio. In April 2022, Mayor Eric Adams appointed her Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation, where she focused on initiatives to improve cleanliness and public health.
As NYPD Commissioner
Since her appointment as NYPD Commissioner in November 2024, Tisch has implemented several reforms aimed at enhancing public safety and department efficiency. Notably, she reduced the college credit requirement for new recruits from 60 to 24 credits to broaden the candidate pool.
She also reinstated a timed 1.5-mile run requirement for academy graduates. Additionally, Tisch has taken steps to address internal misconduct, including the removal of high-ranking officers involved in scandals and the reassignment of drivers and security details to curb overtime abuses.
Public Perception and Future Prospects
Tisch’s leadership has been met with positive attention, with some commentators suggesting she could be a viable candidate for future mayoral elections. Her extensive experience in public service and commitment to reform have positioned her as a figure capable of addressing the city’s challenges.
However, she has publicly denied any intentions to run for mayor, stating her focus remains on her current role as Police Commissioner.