Internal tension is brewing within the Police Department following the mass distribution of form letters signed by Commissioner Richard Rosado, informing multiple veteran Assistant Superintendents of Police that they will not be recommended for promotion to Superintendent. The decision has generated widespread rancor among career officers, who accuse the administration of ignoring their seniority while fast-tracking junior candidates. The letters, dated July 8, 2026, congratulate officers on technically passing their interviews before the Promotional Board, noting scores ranging from 67% to 70%. However, the text quickly shifts to a standard rejection template, saying, quote, "I regret to advise that this Office is presently unable to recommend your promotion to the Security Services Commission due to the limited availability of vacancies."
The administration attributes the logjam to an ongoing organizational transition, stating that priority is being given to ASPs already serving in specific posts designated for the rank of Superintendent. The letters explicitly warn affected veterans that these recommendations will result in their "supersession"-meaning junior officers will be promoted over them.
For career officers who have dedicated decades to the police service, they allege that veterans who meet the criteria for promotion are being passed over while officers favored by the Senior Command are receiving promotions.
And at the center of the controversy is ASP Stacy Smith-who is regularly seen on the evening news. The Commissioner openly notes that a formal recommendation has been forwarded to the SSC to promote ASP Smith to the rank of Superintendent.
The letter defends the choice by stating:
"Smith delivered a comparatively stronger overall performance during the assessment process... [and] is presently performing duties and carrying responsibilities above her substantive rank, specifically those associated with the post of Senior Superintendent of Police."
The fact that the Commissioner has openly told staff that Smith outperformed them has only deepened the resentment.
As the letters continue to circulate, the final decision now rests with the Security Services Commission, which will decide whether to ratify the Commissioner's selections or intervene to consider the concerns of senior officers.
