Who is Tom Donlon, the Interim NYPD Commissioner?

On Thursday, September 12th, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Tom Donlon as interim NYPD commissioner following the resignation of Edward Caban. Donlon, a Bronx native, brings an extensive background in law enforcement, both nationally and internationally. He is recognized as a seasoned expert in counterterrorism, risk management, and security operations.

Donlon’s career spans decades of service in the FBI, where he played a crucial role in several high-profile cases. As Assistant Special Agent in Charge of New York’s Counterterrorism Division, he was involved in investigations related to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the USS Cole bombing. He also led efforts in the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Donlon’s leadership in these critical cases demonstrated his ability to manage complex operations with precision and dedication.

One of Donlon’s most significant contributions was his leadership of the FBI’s National Threat Center. There, he developed the “Guardian” system, a centralized database that tracks terrorism threats and is still used by law enforcement agencies globally. His work at the FBI extended beyond domestic issues, as he also handled international cases involving terrorism and other critical threats.

In addition to his public service, Donlon has extensive experience in the private sector. He served as the global security director for major financial firms such as Credit Suisse and Blackrock, overseeing corporate security operations. He later co-founded Global Security Resolutions, where he focused on providing risk management solutions to various organizations.

Donlon’s appointment as interim commissioner comes at a critical time for the NYPD. With ongoing federal investigations involving members of Mayor Adams’ administration, Donlon’s external background is seen as an asset in maintaining public trust. He is tasked with leading the nation’s largest police department through a challenging period, which includes preparations for high-profile events like the UN General Assembly and upcoming Jewish holidays.

In his statement, Donlon expressed his commitment to upholding the department’s integrity, supporting officers, and continuing efforts to reduce crime in New York City. He said, “I am honored and humbled to be named interim-Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, the greatest law enforcement agency in the world.”

Donlon continued, “My goals are clear: continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”  His wealth of experience in counterterrorism and crisis management positions him well to steer the NYPD through this transitional phase.