POLICE COMMISSIONER CABAN APPOINTS TARIK SHEPPARD AS NYPD DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

August 7, 2023

Sheppard Brings Extensive Experience to Top Spokesperson Role

Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced the appointment of Tarik Sheppard as Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI) for the New York City Police Department. Deputy Commissioner Sheppard will lead what is widely considered to be one of the largest and busiest press offices in government.

A 19-year veteran of the NYPD, Deputy Commissioner Sheppard brings a wealth of enforcement, investigative, and strategic management experience to this dynamic role. Deputy Commissioner Sheppard has served in a number of key assignments over the course of his career, most recently as Commanding Officer of the 28 Precinct in Harlem – where his performance was recognized with a promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector. Prior to that assignment, Sheppard managed a specialized team in the Police Commissioner’s Office responsible for liaising with diverse communities across the five boroughs. He has also held a number of advisory roles with high-level departmental executives, including the Chief of Department.

Deputy Commissioner Sheppard began his NYPD career as a patrol officer in 2004, in the 47 Precinct, covering the Wakefield section of the Bronx. His rise through the ranks began with a promotion to Sergeant in 2010, followed by Lieutenant in 2015, Captain in 2020, and most recently Deputy Inspector in 2023. Commissioner Sheppard spent several years as a special projects manager in the Office of Public Information, cultivating a wide array of professional relationships with members of the press. He played a key role in DCPI’s response to several high-profile emergencies in this capacity, including: the Westside Highway U-Haul terrorist attack, the failed Port Authority pipe bomb terrorist attack, and the IED-by-mail episode which involved pipe bombs being mailed to multiple locations around the nation, including New York City. Commissioner Sheppard has also helped to manage the department’s responses to officer-involved shooting incidents, including the most tragic cases in which an officer’s life was lost.

“It’s rare to find the level of experience, creativity, and care that Deputy Commissioner Sheppard has consistently brought to the NYPD for the past two decades. I have often sought Deputy Commissioner Sheppard’s perspective on matters of importance before this new role – and I now look forward to having him on my executive team,” said Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Working with the press is an obligation the NYPD takes seriously and I know we have the right person in Deputy Commissioner Sheppard to share the work of New York’s Finest as they continue to drive down crime and improve public safety.”

“Becoming the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information is the opportunity of a lifetime. I have great admiration for the work being done by the men and women of the NYPD and to have the responsibility of carrying that message is an extraordinary privilege,” said Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard. “I believe in transparency, and have deep respect for the role of the press and the important work being done by those in the media who cover the NYPD. We have a lot to get done and I look forward to working with the press to tell the great story of the NYPD.”

About Deputy Commissioner Sheppard

Deputy Commissioner Sheppard attended Southern New Hampshire University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration while also playing Division II basketball and leading his team to two NE10 Conference Championships. He also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College and is a graduate of the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Session 265. Commissioner Sheppard has been recognized many times for excellent and meritorious police work, and has also received three commendations for bravery and intelligent policing in the line-of-duty.

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