Ex-cop mulls a run
FORMER NYPD Chief of Department Philip Banks is mulling a mayoral run, sources told the Daily News.
The 54-year-old Banks rose to chief of department in 2014 before he retired in November that year following a 28-year NYPD career.
He abruptly left the department shortly after he was appointed first deputy commissioner in what some viewed as a falling out with then-top cop Bill Bratton.
Last year, Banks was linked to a federal probe into whether two well-connected businessmen traded gifts for favors with NYPD commanders — but he was ultimately never questioned by the feds.
Sources told The News that Banks has been urged repeatedly to run against Mayor de Blasio in recent months — and has met with potential financial backers to discuss a potential run.
“Members of the community have urged him to run because they feel he would be the best candidate to handle these issues, whether it’s crime, education or homelessness,” a source said.
If he were to run, Banks would be the first current or former police official in memory to do so.
Banks would not comment on the possibility of a run.
Banks was tied to the investigation of businessmen Jona Rechnitz and Jeremy Reichberg, both accused of giving gifts and making campaign donations in exchange for action.
Rechnitz pleaded guilty in March to making campaign donations in exchange for favors; Reichberg was indicted on similar charges.
Three police commanders were also indicated on corruption charges in connection with the probe.
Banks’ name came up in the investigation because he had earned between $250,000 and $500,000 in investment income through JSR Capital, Rechnitz’s firm.
In April 2016, Banks’ lawyer Ben Brafman said the income was legitimate.
“Not one single dollar earned by Mr. Banks while a member of the PD or subsequent to his retirement, is any way related to illegal or corrupt activities,” he said at the time. “All of the money invested by him or on deposit in his accounts is derived from lawfully earned income and his wife’s inheritance after her father passed away.”
Banks also served as the chief of community affairs and Manhattan North Borough commander, and worked in a dozen different commands.
Banks was considered a leading candidate for police commissioner and a favorite of First Lady Chirlane McCray. He was named First Deputy Commissioner by Police Commissioner Bill Bratton shortly before he retired in November 2014.
Banks is married and lives in Queens. He has three children. Since retiring, Banks has been running CitySafe Partners, a security company.