Kenneth Corey

Chief Kenneth E. Corey is a Senior Fellow at the University of Chicago Crime Lab and the Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy.

He began his career with the New York City Police Department in 1988 as a police cadet, and retired in November, 2022 after more than 34 years of service.  As the Chief of Department, he was responsible for the coordination and management of the agency’s operational bureaus. With an emphasis on neighborhood policing, customer service, and the improved health and wellness of officers, he is committed to delivering a safer New York City. In order to achieve these goals, he established trusted networks among local business leaders, media, intelligence professionals, local government agencies & community members that improved coordination among stakeholders. As Chief of Department he was also responsible to plan and direct police operations at major events at contained and open venues, such as Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium the U.S. Open, as well as the United Nations General Assembly, outdoor 4th of July celebrations, the weekend-long West Indian Day Carnival that attracts more than two million people, and every other parade and major event in New York City.

In his prior assignment as the Chief of Training, he was responsible for the creation, delivery and supervision of training programs for police officer recruits, executive and management level employees, new civilian employees and other entry-level personnel, as well as all continuing professional training for the nation’s largest police agency.

As the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island, Chief Corey was applauded for his community engagement strategies and strengthening relationships between the NYPD and traditionally marginalized communities. Under his leadership, shooting incidents and homicides decreased more than 50%, while major crimes decreased by 11%.

While assigned as the Commanding Officer of the First Deputy Commissioner’s Office, he was responsible for the implementation of the department’s 2015 re-engineering process.  He was also entrusted by then Commissioner William J. Bratton with overhauling the department’s investigation of officer involved shootings, which resulted in the creation of the Force Investigation Division.

Chief Corey held a number of leadership positions in his career including in the Detective Bureau, Intelligence Bureau, Organized Crime Control Bureau, Personnel Bureau and Patrol Services Bureau.

After leaving the NYPD, he joined the University of Chicago Crime Lab, helping to develop the Policing Leadership Academy to continue his work at improving policing around the county. He also serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Secure Community Network, a homeland security initiative which ensures the safety of Jewish communities and people throughout North America.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Chief Corey earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Pace University and a Masters of Public Administration degree from Marist College. He is a graduate of the Major Cities Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Institute.