Race focus in filling top NYPD gig

RUMORS THAT Chief of Patrol Terence Monahan would be promoted to the NYPD’s highestranking uniformed cop gained steam Thursday, despite concerns from Hispanic fraternal groups that the department’s brass is becoming too white.

Monahan would replace Chief of Department Carlos Gomez, who is retiring Dec. 31.

If Monahan is promoted, there would be no Hispanics in the NYPD’s uppermost uniformed ranks, which are often referred to as the department’s “super chiefs.” Currently, 28% of all NYPD cops are Hispanic. Statistics show that whites make up half of the force, but hold 79% of the ranks from deputy inspector to chief.

A high-ranking police official told the Daily News on Thursday afternoon that no final decision has been made.

Assistant Chief Harrison is being considered to replace Monahan. Monahan is white. Harrison is black. “There are a lot of qualified Latinos that can move up, and the department seems to be hesitant to do that,” Julio Diaz, president of the NYPD chapter of the Latino Officers Association, previously told the Daily News.