Brendan Cox sworn in as Albany Police Chief

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- In a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Brendan J. Cox assumed the role of Chief of the Albany Police Department. Mayor Kathy Sheehan swore in Cox, who served as department chief from 2015 to 2017.

Beyond his time as chief, Cox has also served as assistant and deputy police chief under former Chief Steven Krokoff. He has over 23 years of law enforcement experience, starting as an officer with the Albany Police Department in 1994.

Cox serves as interim chief because of Sheehan's upcoming mayoral transition in 2026. Sheehan said she chose Cox for the year-long role because of his familiarity with the department and ability to lead it through a transitional period.

"Under his leadership, Chief Cox built a team that was dedicated to enhancing public safety, increasing public engagement, and developing models that not only addressed the root causes of crime but built stronger communities in Albany," Sheehan said. "I have the utmost confidence in his leadership and his continuation of proven work in public safety and am so appreciative of Chief Cox's commitment to public service and his willingness to return for our residents and the members of the Albany Police Department."

Cox is native to Albany. He said he is honored to have the chance to lead members of the Albany Police Department.

"As someone who has served more than 23 years in this department, I know for a fact the members of the Albany Police Department are second-to-none," Cox said. "I am committed to doing everything in our power to enhance public safety, further reduce crime, and ensure our residents and visitors feel safe, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues and the community once again to keep our city safe."