Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Joseph A. D’Amico has been unanimously confirmed by the New York State Senate as Superintendent of the State Police.

“Superintendent D’Amico is exactly who we need at the helm of the New York State Police,” Governor Cuomo said. “Superintendent D’Amico is a consummate professional with an impeccable reputation who brings decades of hands-on law enforcement and management experience to the force. He has devoted his entire career to protecting the people of the State of New York and will lead the Division of State of Police with honor and dignity. I thank and commend Senators Nozzolio and DeFrancisco and their respective committees for their thorough review of this nomination, as well as the entire Senate for their swift confirmation vote.”

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “I am honored to be confirmed as Superintendent of the State Police. I thank Governor Cuomo for his confidence in nominating me to serve and protect the people of New York, Senators Nozzolio and DeFrancisco for the expedient confirmation process, and the entire Senate for voting to accept me as the Superintendent of the State Police. I look forward to working with the brave men and women in this fine institution. I am committed to assuring that the State Police is recognized as the preeminent state police force in the nation.”

Superintendent D’Amico most recently served as Chief Investigator for the Office of the New York State Attorney General, where he oversaw and coordinated the efforts of 300 criminal and civil investigators statewide. These investigative units include the Organized Crime Task Force, the Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Investigations Bureau.

Prior to that, Superintendent D’Amico had a 27 year career with the New York City Police Department, where he served in many patrol and investigative assignments in the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens, ultimately rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. He has commanded numerous high-profile and extensive criminal investigations during the course of his NYPD and AG careers.

Prior to his retirement from the NYPD, Superintendent D’Amico served as the Commanding Officer of the Police Commissioner’s Real Time Crime Center. He was instrumental in developing a state-of-the-art, 24-hour information and investigative support center to assist detectives in solving violent crimes directly from the scene of the crime. The Crime Center is a first-of-its-kind project in U.S. law enforcement. Prior to this position, he served as the Commanding Officer in the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Manhattan South Detective Operations, Queens North Detective Operations, and Internal Affairs Bureau, Groups 21 and 41. He has also held the positions of Executive Officer in Detective Bureau Manhattan, and in the 43rd and 44th precincts.

Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections, said, “Joseph D’Amico’s lifelong background and experience in criminal investigations and developing innovative crime reduction strategies have provided him with the knowledge and leadership needed to serve in the critically important position of State Police Superintendent. In the months ahead, I look forward to working with Superintendent D’Amico to support our brave law enforcement officers, restore stability within the State Police Department and increase crime prevention efforts to keep our streets safe for law-abiding New Yorkers.”

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), ranking member of the Senate’s Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections said, “Joseph D’Amico has served our state with distinction and has an extensive and impressive background within our law enforcement system. His honesty and integrity make him a much-needed breath of fresh air and very appropriate choice. I have no doubt his innovative leadership will help keep New Yorkers safe and secure from harm. I commend Governor Cuomo for his nomination and I look forward to working with Mr. D’Amico.”

New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, “Governor Cuomo’s outstanding choice in Chief D’Amico as Superintendent of the State Police is supported by his more than 27 years with the NYPD, most recently as commanding officer of our Real Time Crime Center – an innovative crime fighting center using the latest technology. Chief D’Amico career epitomizes commitment to integrity, professionalism and the safety and security of the people of the city and state of New York. I was honored to have been a part of the transition committee that overwhelmingly recommended bringing Chief D’Amico’s unquestioned experience and leadership abilities to this critical post.”

Former Federal Bureau of Investigations Director Louis Freeh, said, “I am very pleased that the Senate confirmed Chief D’Amico to be Superintendent of the New York State Police. Chief D’Amico is ideally qualified to lead this great law enforcement organization, and his solid police experience, good judgment, integrity and political independence will immensely benefit the people of New York.”

Tom Constantine, former State Police Superintendent, said, “I congratulate Joseph D’Amico as he has been confirmed by the New York State Senate as the 14th Superintendent of the New York State Police. Superintendent D’Amico, with his extensive leadership experience in the New York City Police Department, now has the great privilege of serving as the superintendent. For well over 90 years the title “New York State Trooper” has become synonymous with courage and integrity. I wish Superintendent D’Amico well, as he continues those great traditions and leads the troopers into the future.”

Michael Balboni, former Deputy Secretary for Public Safety, said, “Chief D’Amico has a proven track record in the NYPD as a leader and a “cop’s cop.” He is viewed as being fair but tough. He will bring an added dimension to the State Police because of his extensive experience in protecting New York City after the attacks of 9/11. In a signal of the importance of the State Police, Governor Cuomo has chosen more than a proven leader; he has also chosen a person who he has complete faith in. This is an important selection for an important agency. The Governor should be congratulated for this nomination.”

Zachary W. Carter, former U.S. Attorney, said, “Throughout his career, Chief D’Amico has demonstrated a commitment to professionalism in policing practices. He will undoubtedly command the respect of the Troopers he commands and will protect and enhance the reputation of the New York State Police.”

New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Pat J. Lynch said, “I congratulate Superintendent D’Amico on his confirmation and Governor Cuomo on his fine choice for Superintendent of the State Police. I believe Superintendent D’Amico will lead the troopers with the kind of integrity and honesty that he has exemplified throughout his career.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)