Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced the implementation of the Bronx’s new two-borough patrol structure – the first division of the borough into separate patrol commands in NYPD history. The Bronx will now operate under Patrol Borough Bronx North (PBXN) and Patrol Borough Bronx South (PBXS), creating a more focused and effective approach to fighting crime across the borough. The new structure will deliver nearly 200 more cops, create the physical space for new commands, and modernize systems across the department, including CompStat. PBXN and PBXS will each have dedicated personnel and specialized units, including homicide squads, evidence collection teams, Neighborhood Safety Teams, narcotics teams, and auto crime units. The restructuring builds on the NYPD’s successful strategy to drive down crime in the Bronx, with major crime down more than 15% in April and 11% year-to-date.
“Today is long overdue for the residents of the Bronx, for the officers doing this work, and for a borough that has carried one of the heaviest public safety burdens anywhere in this city,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “For years, the Bronx continued operating under a single patrol borough command while the demands placed on this borough continued to grow. The creation of Bronx North and Bronx South is one of the most significant operational changes to policing in the Bronx in decades, and it is about equity, ensuring that Bronx residents receive the same level of oversight, resources, and operational support that communities in other boroughs have had for years. This restructuring will bring more specialized units, more oversight, and nearly 200 additional cops into Bronx communities. And importantly, this is not a response to failure — it is a decision to build on success. The Bronx is already leading the city in crime reduction, and this restructuring will strengthen the precision policing strategies driving those historic declines.”
“Our city is experiencing historic declines in crime and violence, and the creation of a second command center in the Bronx will help us build on that progress,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “I want to thank the men and women of the New York City Police Department and Commissioner Tisch for their partnership and continued hard work to keep New Yorkers safe. Alongside an Office of Community Safety focused on preventing violence before it happens by connecting New Yorkers to the support they need, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to public safety.”
“Since taking office, I have committed over $3 billion to reduce crime and keep New Yorkers safe. Through common-sense reforms, strategic investments, and enhanced collaboration, crime is down across New York City — proof that smart, targeted enforcement works,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “I am grateful to Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD for working to sustain this progress and doubling down on efforts to keep New Yorkers in every borough safe this summer.”
“The people of the Bronx deserve to feel safe in their homes and on their streets,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “We know that every corner of our city has its own unique needs, and community-focused precision policing is how we meet them. This new approach will help keep Bronx families safe and better equip the NYPD as they continue to serve and protect our communities. I thank Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD for their commitment to improving public safety for all New Yorkers, in every borough.”
The Bronx handles the highest volume of police work anywhere in New York City. Last year alone, the Bronx received nearly one million 911 calls — the most calls for service citywide — while continuing to operate under a single patrol borough structure. The creation of Bronx North and Bronx South will allow the NYPD to deploy resources more effectively, strengthen borough-level oversight, and tailor policing strategies to the specific needs of individual communities. The Bronx now joins Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan in operating under a North/South patrol borough structure.
Assistant Chief Benjamin D. Gurley will oversee Bronx North, and Assistant Chief Brian C. Hennessy will oversee Bronx South. Bronx North will be headquartered at the current 48th Precinct and will be comprised of Precincts 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, and 52. Bronx South will be headquartered at the newly renovated former 40th Precinct, and will be comprised of Precincts 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45.
This announcement comes as major crime in the Bronx is down for the month of April and year-to-date, with a 15.5% and 11% decrease, respectively. The Bronx had its fewest murders in recorded history for the month of April with four. Shooting incidents were down 58% in April, the second fewest in recorded history for the borough and only two behind the record set in April 2018. Shooting victims declined a whopping 65% in April as well. Year-to-date, murders are down more than 15%, shooting incidents are down 9%, and shooting victims are down 9.5%. At the end of April, the NYPD dismantled a major auto theft ring in the Bronx that stole more than $1 million in auto parts. Since that takedown, the Bronx has experienced a dramatic decrease in auto crime. In the first two weeks of May, tire and rim thefts were down 76% compared to the first two weeks of April.
Assistant Chief Benjamin D. Gurley joined the NYPD in March 2000 and began his career on patrol in the Bronx’s 41st Precinct. In August 2023, he was promoted to his current rank of assistant chief and appointed commanding officer of Patrol Borough Bronx. Assistant Chief Brian C. Hennessy joined the NYPD in August 1998 and began his career in Queens’ 111th Precinct and later served as the commanding officer of the Bronx’s 40th Precinct. In December 2024, he was elevated to his current rank of assistant chief and appointed commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens North.
“I commend NYPD Commissioner Tisch for her ongoing leadership and dedication to prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of communities across my district,” said Representative Adriano Espaillat. “The creation of two patrol borough commands in the Bronx serves as further proof of the NYPD’s commitment to strengthening community safety and lowering crime. I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to make critical investments to help improve community safety and wellbeing of families across the borough.”
“The Bronx is experiencing a historic decline in crime, and this investment from Commissioner Tisch will help us build on that momentum,” said Representative Ritchie Torres. “Dividing the Bronx into two patrol boroughs means additional officers on the ground, more specialized resources in our neighborhoods, and a command structure that can actually respond to the distinct needs of communities across our borough. The people of the Bronx deserve this level of investment, and I am grateful to Commissioner Tisch for delivering it.”
“Community safety is a shared responsibility that demands innovative approaches to address the everyday challenges faced by our city,” said Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. “The establishment of two patrol borough commands – Bronx North and Bronx South, is a significant development, one that is reflective of NYPD Commissioner Tisch’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of our borough. This change will enable the offices of the NYPD to expedite response times in the Bronx and deploy specialized units to tackle some of the most challenging cases.”
“Public safety remains one of the most important priorities for our borough, and today’s announcement represents a significant step forward in ensuring every neighborhood in our borough receives the attention, resources, and support it deserves,” said Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The creation of Patrol Borough Bronx North and Patrol Borough Bronx South will strengthen the NYPD’s ability to respond more effectively to the unique needs of our communities, while bringing additional officers and specialized units directly into our borough. We thank and recognize the hard work and dedication of our NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, our NYPD officers, community partners, Cure Violence organizations, clergy leaders, and residents who continue working together to keep our neighborhoods safe. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and through continued collaboration, communication, and investment, we can continue building stronger relationships between law enforcement and our communities while ensuring Bronx families feel safe, supported, and protected.”
“Having two NYPD patrol borough commands adds essential resources to improve public safety throughout the entire Bronx,” said District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “Additional police officers will help prevent crime and strengthen community ties, and localized investigators will enhance already exceptional crime-solving. I look forward to this new strategy and continued partnership with Commissioner Tisch and the excellent men and women of the NYPD who serve our great borough. We must stem the violence that plagues the Bronx.”
“The Bronx has long carried a disproportionate share of the city’s emergency response volume and public safety challenges, and our communities deserve the focused attention and resources to meet those needs,” said Councilmember Amanda Farías. “The creation of Patrol Borough Bronx North and Bronx South is an important step toward improving coordination, deployment, and responsiveness across our borough. I commend Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Commissioner Jessica Tisch for recognizing the unique needs of the Bronx and advancing a structure that better supports the safety and wellbeing of our residents.”
“The Bronx is made up of many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own strengths, challenges, and public safety needs,” said Councilmember Kevin C. Riley. “The creation of Bronx North and Bronx South is a major investment in public safety that will allow Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD to respond more strategically, strengthen relationships with our communities, and bring critical resources directly to the areas that need them most. At a time when the Bronx is leading the city in crime reduction, this announcement shows a real commitment to building on that progress and continuing to keep our families safe.”
“Bronx communities deserve safety that is responsive, equitable, and rooted in local realities,” said Councilmember Althea Stevens. “The creation of Bronx North and Bronx South patrol boroughs by Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD is a critical step toward strengthening public safety infrastructure, deepening community engagement, and ensuring that the historic progress in reducing crime is sustained and felt in every neighborhood.”
