The NYPD’S new chief of patrol is James Hall, police said Friday.

Hall is replacing Chief Robert Giannelli, who turns 63 next month, the mandatory retirement age. Giannelli joined the force in 1968.

Hall, 49, a 29-year veteran, will now command some 20,000 cops, about eight times the number assigned to transit.

In 2005, he led a contingent of 300 NYPD officers to Louisiana to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“Chief Hall has demonstrated outstanding leadership and ingenuity in reducing crime in the subways,” Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. “He’s a superb tactician and an excellent, experienced manager.”

(Source: NY Daily News)