Who is the highest ranking uniformed member of the NYPD?

• A. Chief of Department
• B. Police Commissioner
• C. Deputy Chief
• D. Captain

Answer: (A)

Understanding who leads uniformed officers in the NYPD is about distinguishing between sworn ranks and civilian leadership. The Police Commissioner is the top leader of the entire NYPD and is typically a civilian who sets policy and oversees the whole department. Among those who actually wear a police uniform (the sworn officers), the highest ranking official is the Chief of Department. This person is responsible for the day-to-day operations of all uniformed bureaus and commands, making them the senior-most uniformed officer. The Chief of Department reports to the Police Commissioner, while other uniformed ranks like Deputy Chief and Captain sit lower in the chain of command. If the question asks for the highest uniformed rank, the best answer is Chief of Department.