Richard Enright
| Richard Edward Enright | |
|---|---|
Enright in 1918
|
|
| New York City Police Commissioner | |
|
In office January 23, 1918 – January 1, 1925 |
|
| Appointed by | John Francis Hylan |
| Preceded by | Frederick Hamilton Bugher |
| Succeeded by | George Vincent McLaughlin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Edward Enright September 30, 1871 Campbell, New York, United States |
| Died | September 4, 1953 (aged 81) East Meadow, New York |
| Cause of death | spinal injury caused by a fall |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse(s) | Jean Smith Enright |
| Relations | Willian Enright, brother Patrick Enright, brother |
| Occupation | Police officer, private detective |
Richard Edward Enright (August 30, 1871 – September 4, 1953) was an American law enforcement officer, detective, crime writer and served as NYPD Police Commissioner from 1918 until 1925. He was the first man to rise from the rank-and-file to assume command of the NYPD and, until the appointment of Lewis Joseph Valentine, he was the longest serving commissioner.
Although his eight-year tenure as commissioner received heavy criticism at the time of his resignation, mostly as the result of controversial actions of then Mayor John F. Hylan, his accomplishments and successes were eventually recognized as valued contributions during his near 30-year service on the police force.
Richard Enright was born in Campbell, New York on August 30, 1871. He worked as a telegraph operator in Elmira and Queens before joining the New York City Police Department in 1896. He was described as being educated and very well-read, being able to recite poetry by heart, and was an avid student of art and history especially the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. A gifted and eloquent speaker, he became well liked by the men under his command.
He slowly rose through the ranks to police lieutenant and, although a public unknown, he was highly popular on the force as a champion for the rank-and-file officers while president of the Police Lieutenants' Benevolent Association. His popularity and pro-union views had a negative impact on his career however, most especially his criticism of the policies of the Mitchel administration, resulting in his being passed over for promotion to police captain three times "for the good of the service".
A change in administrations enabled Enright to succeed Frederick H. Bugher as Police Commissioner, becoming the first police officer to be appointed from within the ranks. Bugher had incurred the wrath of Mayor John Hylan for his resisting the mayor in his attempts to interfere with the police department by refusing to take "guidance". Enright proved to be more open to Mayor Hylan and was officially appointed commissioner on January 23, 1918. As time went on however, even Enright would reach his limits as the mayor continued in his efforts to control the police force.
...
Wikipedia