NYPD Chief John Chell Plans Retirement Seeking Disability Pension

NYPD Chief of Department John Chell, the city's top uniformed officer since December 2024, is expected to retire soon, possibly as early as this week, after more than 30 years with the department. Chell plans to apply for a disability pension, which would provide him with a tax-free lifetime benefit of 75% of his $276,000 annual salary, due to an ankle injury he sustained on duty at Randall's Island last year. His tenure was marked by a notable drop in major crime and historic lows in shootings, but also by controversies including outspoken social media posts that drew criticism from progressive lawmakers and a Department of Investigation report on unprofessional use of official accounts. Chell, a prominent ally of Mayor Eric Adams, is rumored to be considering a future career in right-wing media, with plans to discuss his future on conservative talk radio. His retirement follows Mayor Adams' decision to end his reelection bid amid political pressures, including from President Trump's team. The NYPD and Mayor's office have not officially confirmed Chell's retirement plans yet.