New York, NY - Colleagues of Police Chief Cite His Bond With Jews

New York, NY - Joseph J. Esposito enjoys, among the rank and file of the New York Police Department, a reputation as a "cop's cop," joining at age 18 in the bygone days of officer trainees. In the almost 38 years since he became a trainee, he has risen to be the highest-ranking member of the department, the only four-star chief on the force.

Friends of Chief Esposito described the strong relationship that he has worked to build with members of the Jewish community. He was the commanding officer from 1990 to 1993 of the very precinct where the events this week took place, a precinct that has often been a proving ground for commanders moving up. While there, he worked to make inroads among Hasidic leaders, said John F. Timoney, a former chief of the department, now the chief of police in Miami.
"He had a great relationship with the Hasidic community, they were huge supporters of him," Chief Timoney said. "And I always found him to be a consummate professional, and I don't think he would utter anti-Jewish remarks."
Chief Timoney did not put it past Chief Esposito, however, to use profanity. "Could he have used foul language in a tense situation? I would say yes; just like Timoney, he may have used vulgar language," Chief Timoney said. "I put myself in that category of cursing like a sailor. It is not the right thing, obviously."

"The chief has been one of the biggest friends to the Jewish community at large and Jewish police officers in this department," said Lt. Jason Margolis. "He's the last person in the world who would make an anti-Semitic statement, everyone so far universally agrees that this is nonsense."

Chief Timoney repeated his belief that Chief Esposito did not make an anti-Semitic remark. "Is it possible that he would lose his temper?" he said. "Absolutely. Like I do."