Increasing investigations challenge Adams' declared fidelity to allies in crisis
Top advisers are divided on the appropriate approach the mayor should take regarding NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams is grappling with a tough decision during his term: whether to dismiss his police commissioner, who is entangled in a broad federal investigation. This internal turmoil comes as the city prepares for the poignant Sept. 11 memorial service, which is customarily attended by current and former NYPD leaders at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.
Adding to the complexity, Adams will miss the memorial due to a recent Covid diagnosis, an aide reported, highlighting a week marked by intense stress and plummeting morale within the municipal administration.
A pressing concern for Adams is the situation surrounding NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. Last week, federal agents searched Caban's residence, confiscated his phone, and asked for phones from his twin brother James, the chief of staff, and several others in the department. Despite this, Caban has not yet stepped down, drawing support from some fellow Latinos who feel he is unfairly targeted while others in similar situations are not.
In a private meeting on Monday, Adams and Caban discussed the commissioner's potential resignation, but later that day, Caban was notably absent from a scheduled meeting with police leaders and a Sept. 11-related event, according to sources familiar with the matter.
As of Tuesday evening, Caban had not resigned. "He’s dug in. He is challenging Adams to fire him," said Ken Frydman, the CEO of Source Communications and a longtime consultant for city police unions.
While most of Adams' close advisors believe Caban should step down, there's disagreement among the top ranks. Former Chief of Staff and close advisor Frank Carone thinks Caban can no longer lead effectively, whereas Chief Adviser Ingrid Lewis Martin advocates for his retention.
At a press event on Tuesday, Adams refrained from defending Caban directly and questioned the accuracy of reports suggesting the commissioner's imminent resignation. "I am City Hall, and any orders that come from City Hall to make a personnel shift is going to come with my blessing," Adams stated. "And it did not come from my blessing and I'm not aware of anyone else communicating, doing such."
Despite the controversy, Adams has a history of supporting his aides amid allegations, emphasizing his cooperation with the investigation while stressing that no accusations of misconduct have been officially made. "Eric Adams is very loyal to his people," mentioned a friend of the mayor.
Adding a racial dimension to the controversy, Caban is the city's first Latino police commissioner. City Council Member Diana Ayala voiced her concerns, stating, "They’re making him the scapegoat. I am concerned. It is suspicious to me that so many members of his administration have a microscope on them, and yet we’re laser-focused on the one Latino without fully understanding what the investigation is about."
Caban himself has remained largely out of the public eye, even missing a Sept. 11 event, though he spoke briefly to Jewish leaders at police headquarters. According to reports, he is expected to attend a ceremony marking the anniversary of the terror attacks.
The implications of the federal investigation and the seizure of Caban’s phones could also affect his ability to hold a top-level security clearance vital for accessing federal intelligence. Adams believes this should not impact Caban’s clearance, emphasizing that he himself was briefed by the task force just the day before.
However, a former NYPD executive highlighted the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that the FBI's actions suggest the commissioner might be implicated in federal offenses. "If you are the NYPD Police Commissioner... you can't do your job if you don't have a clearance because the FBI considers you a suspect in federal crimes," the former official explained.The underlying implications of the investigation pose a significant challenge not only for Caban but for the entire New York City administration. If Caban were to be dismissed amid these allegations, it could be interpreted as a tacit acknowledgment of wrongdoing, which might further damage public trust in Adams' leadership. The political optics are especially critical, given Adams' own law enforcement background and his emphasis on integrity and accountability within the NYPD.
Adams, who has championed reforms and transparency in policing since taking office, may find it increasingly difficult to balance loyalty to his aides with the need for accountability in the face of serious allegations. The federal investigation has already cast a shadow over his administration, which he has been attempting to navigate by asserting his commitment to cooperation with federal authorities.
Public perception is likely to play a large role in how Adams decides to handle the situation. If Caban continues to resist calls for resignation yet remains under investigation, the mayor's alignment with him could be seen as a liability. Residents may question the integrity of the NYPD, particularly in light of past scandals that have rocked the department and undermined community trust.
Tensions surrounding the investigation have also prompted discussions about broader systemic issues within the department. Advocates for police reform have raised concerns over perceived favoritism or selective scrutiny based on race and ethnicity. Observers are closely watching how this situation unfolds, particularly as it pertains to leadership in a department historically challenged by issues of transparency and accountability.
For Caban, staying in his role amid heightened scrutiny could present both significant challenges and opportunities. He has the chance to demonstrate resilience and commitment to public service, but the pressure to address the concerns of both his allies and the broader community is mounting. His supporters argue that he deserves a fair chance to prove his integrity and effectiveness as commissioner, rather than being scapegoated during a time of crisis.
As the investigation progresses, the ramifications for Caban and the Adams administration remain uncertain. In the coming days, the decisions made in City Hall will likely resonate far beyond the walls of government, impacting public trust, community relations, and the future direction of policing in New York City. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on how Mayor Adams navigates this crucial crossroads in his administration.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Adding to the complexity, Adams will miss the memorial due to a recent Covid diagnosis, an aide reported, highlighting a week marked by intense stress and plummeting morale within the municipal administration.
A pressing concern for Adams is the situation surrounding NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. Last week, federal agents searched Caban's residence, confiscated his phone, and asked for phones from his twin brother James, the chief of staff, and several others in the department. Despite this, Caban has not yet stepped down, drawing support from some fellow Latinos who feel he is unfairly targeted while others in similar situations are not.
In a private meeting on Monday, Adams and Caban discussed the commissioner's potential resignation, but later that day, Caban was notably absent from a scheduled meeting with police leaders and a Sept. 11-related event, according to sources familiar with the matter.
As of Tuesday evening, Caban had not resigned. "He’s dug in. He is challenging Adams to fire him," said Ken Frydman, the CEO of Source Communications and a longtime consultant for city police unions.
While most of Adams' close advisors believe Caban should step down, there's disagreement among the top ranks. Former Chief of Staff and close advisor Frank Carone thinks Caban can no longer lead effectively, whereas Chief Adviser Ingrid Lewis Martin advocates for his retention.
At a press event on Tuesday, Adams refrained from defending Caban directly and questioned the accuracy of reports suggesting the commissioner's imminent resignation. "I am City Hall, and any orders that come from City Hall to make a personnel shift is going to come with my blessing," Adams stated. "And it did not come from my blessing and I'm not aware of anyone else communicating, doing such."
Despite the controversy, Adams has a history of supporting his aides amid allegations, emphasizing his cooperation with the investigation while stressing that no accusations of misconduct have been officially made. "Eric Adams is very loyal to his people," mentioned a friend of the mayor.
Adding a racial dimension to the controversy, Caban is the city's first Latino police commissioner. City Council Member Diana Ayala voiced her concerns, stating, "They’re making him the scapegoat. I am concerned. It is suspicious to me that so many members of his administration have a microscope on them, and yet we’re laser-focused on the one Latino without fully understanding what the investigation is about."
Caban himself has remained largely out of the public eye, even missing a Sept. 11 event, though he spoke briefly to Jewish leaders at police headquarters. According to reports, he is expected to attend a ceremony marking the anniversary of the terror attacks.
The implications of the federal investigation and the seizure of Caban’s phones could also affect his ability to hold a top-level security clearance vital for accessing federal intelligence. Adams believes this should not impact Caban’s clearance, emphasizing that he himself was briefed by the task force just the day before.
However, a former NYPD executive highlighted the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that the FBI's actions suggest the commissioner might be implicated in federal offenses. "If you are the NYPD Police Commissioner... you can't do your job if you don't have a clearance because the FBI considers you a suspect in federal crimes," the former official explained.The underlying implications of the investigation pose a significant challenge not only for Caban but for the entire New York City administration. If Caban were to be dismissed amid these allegations, it could be interpreted as a tacit acknowledgment of wrongdoing, which might further damage public trust in Adams' leadership. The political optics are especially critical, given Adams' own law enforcement background and his emphasis on integrity and accountability within the NYPD.
Adams, who has championed reforms and transparency in policing since taking office, may find it increasingly difficult to balance loyalty to his aides with the need for accountability in the face of serious allegations. The federal investigation has already cast a shadow over his administration, which he has been attempting to navigate by asserting his commitment to cooperation with federal authorities.
Public perception is likely to play a large role in how Adams decides to handle the situation. If Caban continues to resist calls for resignation yet remains under investigation, the mayor's alignment with him could be seen as a liability. Residents may question the integrity of the NYPD, particularly in light of past scandals that have rocked the department and undermined community trust.
Tensions surrounding the investigation have also prompted discussions about broader systemic issues within the department. Advocates for police reform have raised concerns over perceived favoritism or selective scrutiny based on race and ethnicity. Observers are closely watching how this situation unfolds, particularly as it pertains to leadership in a department historically challenged by issues of transparency and accountability.
For Caban, staying in his role amid heightened scrutiny could present both significant challenges and opportunities. He has the chance to demonstrate resilience and commitment to public service, but the pressure to address the concerns of both his allies and the broader community is mounting. His supporters argue that he deserves a fair chance to prove his integrity and effectiveness as commissioner, rather than being scapegoated during a time of crisis.
As the investigation progresses, the ramifications for Caban and the Adams administration remain uncertain. In the coming days, the decisions made in City Hall will likely resonate far beyond the walls of government, impacting public trust, community relations, and the future direction of policing in New York City. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on how Mayor Adams navigates this crucial crossroads in his administration.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
