The scandal-plagued New York State Police finally have a new permanent leader, ending a year-long stretch of uncertainty that came in the wake of allegations of harassment, corruption and abuse of power.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s pick Steven James was unanimously confirmed as new superintendent by the state Senate Thursday after having served as acting superintendent since February.
James came out of retirement after state police had burnt through two other acting superintendents. James previously served on all levels of the state police, including as a road patrol and narcotics officer as well as upper level administrative roles.
“That gave me a full scale foundation of what to do as a police officer and know-how to handle myself in many situations,” James said in his confirmation hearing before state Senators this week.
James takes over as the upper echelons of the state police have been rocked by a slew of scandals in recent years. They include an inspector general’s investigation into unauthorized surveillance and excessive overtime by dozens of troopers assigned to a New York City-based drug task force and an FBI probe into shady dealings with the state police’s union.
Speaking exclusively to The Post this week, James said he wants to improve morale amongst law enforcement and, as a result, improve public safety.
“One day when I am a very old man, I’m just an old man now, but very old, I can look back and say, I effected that change. I imparted something for the future to make things better for the public and better for police officers, because one goes hand in hand,” James said.
Preceding James as superintendent was Steven Nigrelli, who stepped down when Hochul told him she would not nominate him after a history of harassment allegations against him resurfaced.
“The New York State Police does extraordinary work to fight crime and keep people safe, and I am confident Superintendent James will continue and expand on these efforts,” Hochul said in a statement Thursday.
James cleaned house after taking over in February, dismissing several high ranking state police administrators, according to reporting by the Times Union.