Mamdani appoints Edwin Raymond as New York City Sheriff

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has appointed retired NYPD lieutenant Edwin Raymond as the new Sheriff of the City of New York, naming a law enforcement veteran known for advocating accountability, integrity, and public trust in policing.

The appointment, announced on May 29, 2026, places Raymond in charge of an office that operates under the New York City Department of Finance and carries out court-related and enforcement responsibilities across the city.

Raymond, the son of Haitian immigrants, grew up in East Flatbush and joined the New York City Police Department at the age of 22. Over his 15-year NYPD career, he served as a police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, platoon commander, and Commanding Officer of Brooklyn North Community Affairs before retiring in 2023.

He later served in the New York State Attorney General’s Office as the nation’s first social justice liaison, where he supported efforts to advance accountability and integrity in law enforcement.

“Edwin Raymond represents the kind of public servant New Yorkers deserve: principled, courageous and deeply committed to justice,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Throughout his career, he has fought to build a public safety system rooted in effectiveness, accountability and public trust.”

Raymond said his personal background and public service career shaped his understanding of both safety concerns and the inequities that can weaken public confidence in government.

“Growing up in East Flatbush as the son of Haitian immigrants, I experienced both the public safety challenges facing working-class communities and the inequities that too often undermine trust in government,” Raymond said. “I look forward to continuing that work as Sheriff by helping build a safer, fairer and more accountable city for all New Yorkers.”

As sheriff, Raymond will oversee legal processes and mandates involving judiciary law, civil practice law, real property actions, seizures of money and property under warrants and court orders, mental hygiene warrants, tax law enforcement, and enforcement connected to unlicensed cannabis activity.

New York Attorney General Letitia James praised Raymond’s record, saying he has “fought for safety, fairness, and accountability” throughout his law enforcement career.
“He understands that true public safety requires public trust and has never shied away from standing up for what is right,” James said.

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams also welcomed the appointment, describing Raymond as “a true public servant for public safety.” Williams said Raymond’s journey from demanding accountability in policing to assuming a senior citywide law enforcement role reflects both resilience and public credibility.

“It’s amazing to see his journey — from being pushed aside for demanding accountability and justice in policing, to leadership in the same space,” Williams said.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said his office looks forward to working with Raymond on key enforcement issues involving the Sheriff’s Office.
Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Finance, said Raymond’s experience in the NYPD and the Attorney General’s Office would benefit the city in his new role.

For New Yorkers, the appointment comes at a time when public safety debates continue to require more than enforcement alone. Communities across the city are demanding safety that is effective, lawful, fair, transparent, and rooted in trust.

Raymond’s record positions him at the intersection of law enforcement and accountability. His success as sheriff will likely be measured not only by enforcement outcomes, but also by whether his office can strengthen confidence in government actions, apply the law consistently, and serve communities with professionalism and dignity.

Raymond holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.