Hispanic groups know who they want to see as NYPD commissioner after Raymond Kelly

New York Daily News
Mark Morales
Posted: Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 7:47 AM

Rafael Pineiro would become the first Hispanic police commissioner in New York City history if the next mayor promoted him from his current position as first deputy.

First Deputy Commissioner Rafael Pineiro has the support of the Hispanic Society, the National Latino Officers Association and the New York Dominican Officers Organization — they want to see him replace Raymond Kelly in January. [Photo by: Watts, Susan/New York Daily News]

Three Hispanic NYPD groups are pushing for one of their own to become the city’s top cop when the next mayor comes into office.

The Hispanic Society, the National Latino Officers Association and the New York Dominican Officers Organization want First Deputy Commissioner Rafael Pineiro to take over for NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly in January.

The move would make Pineiro the first Hispanic police commissioner in city history.

“In this day and age, with stop, question and frisk, issues of profiling, I think having a Hispanic who understands what’s going on in the community would actually benefit the citizens of this city,” said Dennis Gonzales, president of the NYPD’s Hispanic Society.

Pineiro — a 40-year veteran of the NYPD — served as the Patrol Bronx borough commander and commanding officer of the 41st Precinct.

He’s also held several positions in Kelly’s cabinet, starting in 2002 when he became chief of personnel.

Democratic mayoral nominee Bill de Blasio, the front-runner in the race, has already floated two possible picks for the coveted job: former Police Commissioner William Bratton and current NYPD Chief of Department Philip Banks.

GOP mayoral candidate Joe Lhota has declared his allegiance to Kelly, but Gonzales said he’s met with the Republican to push Pineiro.

“We don’t recommend First Deputy Commissioner Pineiro simply because he’s Latino,” said Gonzales. “We recommended him because he has the credentials and the qualifications to lead the finest police department in the country.”