Philip Banks III is a former American police officer. He was appointed NYPDChief of Department in 2013. As Chief of Department, Chief Banks oversaw all patrol and specialty units, and manages Department policy that affects New York City's many diverse communities.
Banks joined the New York City Police Department in July 1986, and began his career on patrol in the 81st Precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in March 1994; Lieutenant in May 1997; Captain in September 1999: Deputy Inspector in June 2001; Inspector in December 2003; Deputy Chief in December 2006; and Assistant Chief in June 2009. He has served in the 70th, 73rd, 79th, 81st, 90th and Central Park Precincts, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, the Harbor Unit, and the School Safety Division Investigations Unit. Chief Banks most recently served as Chief of the Community Affairs Bureau. In addition, prior to commanding the Community Affairs Bureau, he was the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan North and has also commanded the 79th, 81st and Central Park precincts. He has also served as Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, and the 73rd Precinct. He was named the First Deputy Commissioner replacing Rafael Piñeiro upon his retirement.
Resignation from NYPD and role in corruption scandal
After completing a 28-year career with NYPD, Chief Banks resigned from his position as Chief of Department on Friday, October 31, 2014 citing a mix of personal and professional reasons. Speaking to reporters outside City Hall, Commissioner William Bratton said he would accept Chief Banks resignation "with great regret." "I think the world of Chief Banks," Bratton said. "He's been a very able, capable and loyal partner to me in these last ten months since I have come back into the police department." It was later revealed that Banks resigned after he found out he was being investigated by the FBI for having $300,000 of unexplained cash in his bank account. Banks is considered to be an unindicted co-conspirator in a massive corruption and bribery scandal in which Jona Rechnitz and Jeremy Reichberg are accused of trading cash and gifts to several NYPD officials, including Banks, in exchange for favors.
Dates Of Rank
Sworn in as a Patrolman – 1986 Promoted to Sergeant – 1992 Promoted to Lieutenant – 1995 Promoted to Captain – 1998 Promoted to Deputy Inspector – 2001 Promoted to Inspector – 2003 Promoted to Deputy Chief – 2006 Promoted to Assistant Chief – 2009 Promoted to Chief of Community Affairs – 2010 Chief of Department 2013
