Bratton announced last week he would not return for a second term as commissioner — and followed it up with the surprise announcement of his departure. It was unclear when the resignation would take effect. Bratton, in going public with his plans to leave, said only that he would not be around as commissioner if de Blasio won reelection next year.
The outgoing commissioner will reportedly be replaced by NYPD Chief of Department James O'Neill. Bratton, 68, had indicated that O’Neill was the right choice to take over the office at One Police Plaza.
De Blasio scheduled a noon news conference regarding the NYPD as reports of the resignation circulated.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton is expected to resign Tuesday, abruptly ending his second tour of duty as head of the nation’s largest police department. A high-ranking NYPD source told the Daily News Bratton was leaving the department where he returned in 2014 after the election of Mayor de Blasio.
Sgt. Ed Mullins, head of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, said Bratton was supposedly leaving for a job in the private sector.
“Bratton got a bite somewhere else,” said Mullins. “I guess its more important for Bratton to go line his pockets in private industry than protect his legacy with the NYPD.”
Bratton previously served as the city's police commissioner under Mayor Giuliani from January 1994 to April 1996, departing after his relationship with City Hall deteriorated.
