November 01, 2011
New
York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced the
appointment of Dr. James O’Keefe as his new Deputy Commissioner of
Training for the NYPD at a Promotion Ceremony yesterday at 1 Police
Plaza. Dr. O’Keefe, Associate Dean and Professor of Criminal
Justice & Legal Studies in St. John’s University’s College of
Professional Studies (CPS), will take a leave of absence from his
duties to begin his new position but will retain his tenure status
at the university.
“It’s a tremendous honor (to be appointed by Commissioner Kelly)
and I really had to take a day to think about it,” admitted Dr.
O’Keefe. “I thought about leaving my students at St. John’s and how
difficult that would be, but when I realized I could keep my
tenured position at the university and take on this incredible
opportunity – the decision was an easy one.”
Dr. O’Keefe replaces Deputy Commissioner Wilbur Chapman who
retired last month.
“It is a testament to Jim O’Keefe’s exceptional law enforcement
service that he receives this prestigious appointment from
Commissioner Ray Kelly,” said Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.,
President of St. John’s University. “We are proud of Jim’s long
standing dedication to the University as a tenured member of the
faculty as well as Associate Dean in the College of Professional
Studies. His commitment to excellence in all that he does has made
St. John's stronger. In a special way, our Criminal Justice program
will long bear his
imprint.”
Beginning his new appointment under Commissioner Kelly as one of
15 deputy commissioners, Dr. O’Keefe will train new cadets involved
in every aspect of their development as a model of service and
commitment that is expected by the NYPD. He is looking forward to
the opportunities and challenges that the job presents at a high
ranking level within the police department, and will let his
experience and instincts guide him through the process.
“We set the highest possible standards when looking for someone
to lead our training efforts,” said NYPD Commissioner Kelly, to an
overflow crowd of more than 500 at Police Headquarters. “Training
is one of the pillars of the department’s success, and it is my
pleasure to appoint someone who meets every one of our standards
and more in Deputy Commissioner O’Keefe.”
Retiring from the New York City Police Department in 2001, Dr.
O’Keefe accepted a position as Associate Professor of Criminal
Justice and Leadership with St. John’s. During his term, he has
earned promotions to Program Director for the Criminal Justice
Program, Chairman of the Social Science Division, and currently
serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and tenured Professor
of Criminal Justice Leadership. Dr. O’Keefe continues to lecture
for undergraduate and graduate seminars in police administration,
public policy, law enforcement ethics and leadership.
Dr. O’Keefe was joined by his wife of 33 years, Gail and family
members at the formal swearing in ceremony.
“My family has been understanding through it all because there
are a lot of demands with a position like this and a lot of time
away from home. I couldn’t have accepted it without their great
support,” added Dr. O’Keefe.
For more information about yesterday’s appointment of Dr.
O’Keefe contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President for Media
Relations, Office of the President, St. John’s University by
calling 718.990.6185 or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.
Information regarding St. John’s can be found by visiting the
University web site at www.stjohns.edu/news.