NEW YORK — Haitian American former NYPD lieutenant Edwin Raymond, who gained national attention for speaking out against police quotas and misconduct inside the department, has been appointed the new sheriff of New York City by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The appointment marks a major moment for Raymond, a Brooklyn native and son of Haitian immigrants whose career shifted from police officer to one of the city’s most visible voices on police accountability and reform.
“Edwin Raymond represents the kind of public servant New Yorkers deserve: principled, courageous and deeply committed to justice,” Mamdani said in a statement announcing the appointment.
Raymond most recently served as the nation’s first social justice liaison in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, where he worked on issues tied to law enforcement accountability and public trust.
Before that, he spent 15 years in the NYPD, serving in Brooklyn precincts and later rising to lieutenant and commanding officer in Brooklyn North Community Affairs before retiring in 2023.
Raymond became widely known after publicly criticizing quota-driven policing practices within the NYPD, becoming one of the department’s most recognized whistleblowers during national debates over policing reform. His advocacy earned him support from civil rights groups and public officials, along with recognition from organizations including the NAACP.
Raymond’s efforts to challenge policing practices and advocate for accountability within the department- work that helped elevate his profile nationally among reform advocates.
“Growing up in East Flatbush as the son of Haitian immigrants, I experienced both the public safety challenges facing working-class communities and the inequities that too often undermine trust in government,” Raymond said.
“I look forward to continuing that work as sheriff by helping build a safer, fairer and more accountable city for all New Yorkers.”
As sheriff, Raymond will oversee responsibilities tied to court enforcement, property seizures, tax enforcement and operations targeting illegal businesses, including unlicensed cannabis shops. The office operates under New York City’s Department of Finance.
New York Attorney General Letitia James praised the appointment, saying Raymond had consistently pushed for “safety, fairness and accountability” throughout his career.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also described Raymond’s appointment as a significant moment for reform advocates.
“It’s amazing to see his journey — from being pushed aside for demanding accountability and justice in policing, to leadership in the same space,” Williams said.
Raymond attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and joined the NYPD at age 22. He first worked in Transit District 32 and the 77th Precinct before rising through the ranks.
