Neil K. Reynolds, a veteran of the New Rochelle Police Department (NRPD) and the City’s Deputy Police Commissioner since 2023, was sworn in as New Rochelle’s new Police Commissioner in a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, June 30.
Reynolds makes history as the first Black Police Commissioner for the city of New Rochelle. “Black people don’t want a Black police commissioner because they’re gonna get more trust, Black people want like anybody else wants—-a good police commissioner,” Reynolds said.
Commissioner Reynolds joined the NRPD in 1994 as a Patrol Officer. He then became a P.A.C.T officer, where he taught D.A.R.E. and was a bicycle officer. His professionalism, accountability, and commitment to public service led to his rise over three decades. He served as a Detective in the Property Theft Unit, Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Patrol Division, Detective Lieutenant in Internal Affairs, and as a Captain, before his promotion to Deputy Commissioner in 2023.
Reynolds’ appointment follows the retirement announcement of Commissioner Robert Gazzola, who concludes a nearly 40-year career with the department. Gazzola says after serving as deputy, Reynolds is ready to lead the department.
“There is no one more prepared or ready to lead this department than Deputy Commissioner Reynolds,” said Gazzola last week. “He has earned the respect of officers at every rank, built trust within the community, and shown time and again that he leads with integrity, professionalism, and purpose. I leave this role with total confidence, knowing the department is in the hands of someone who understands both where we’ve been and where we need to go.”
As Commissioner, Reynolds says he will continue to advance the City’s strategic policing priorities while furthering a department culture rooted in service, equity, and excellence.
“It’s the greatest honor of my career to lead the department I’ve served in for so long,” said Commissioner Reynolds, “New Rochelle is my home, and I’ve dedicated myself to protecting and improving it for more than 30 years. We’ve made significant progress- strengthening trust, building partnerships, and embracing new approaches to public safety. Now, it’s about deepening those efforts and ensuring every resident feels safe, respected, and heard. I’m ready to lead us into the next chapter with purpose, transparency, and a deep commitment to all the people of this city and its police officers.”
Reynolds is actively involved in several law enforcement and civic organizations, including the Westchester/Rockland Guardians Association, The Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, NACOLE, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and NAACP–New Rochelle Branch. As Commissioner, he plans to expand on several key priorities, including bolstering community engagement initiatives and trust through neighborhood-based policing models, enhancing officer wellness and training, advancing public safety technology, and supporting the City’s Quality of Life Initiative.
Reynolds holds a Bachelor’s degree from Iona College and Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in New York State and federally in the Southern District of New York. His decorated career has earned him the Police Commissioner’s Award, three Class “C” citations, seven commendations, two “Life Saving Awards”, and the “Problem Solver of the Year Award.” He has been recognized with public service awards from the NAACP, NABLEO, the Westchester/Rockland Guardians Association, the F. Willa Davis Women’s Club, and the Omicron Iota Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
“Commissioner Reynolds has proven himself as a steady, forward-thinking leader,” said City Manager Wilfredo Melendez. “He not only brings decades of experience, but a deep, earned understanding of New Rochelle – its people, its neighborhoods, and the evolving role of public safety in our community. Residents, officers, and community leaders alike know who he is, how he leads, and what he stands for. We are committed to building on that momentum to ensure the progress we’ve made continues to accelerate.”
