Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs' administration says Brendan Cox is doing "tremendous work" as the city's police chief.
A New York State requirement is forcing the city to field candidates for Cox's job anyway.
Because Cox originally retired from the Albany Police Department in 2017, state law requires the city to field non-retired candidates for the job.
The recruitment process will include an application period and panel interviews. If a qualified, non-retired candidate can't be found, the city will begin the process of renewing a Section 211 waiver so that Cox can continue as the city's top law enforcement official.
"Mayor Applyrs has consistently pointed to the level of stability, experience, and public trust Chief Cox continues to bring to the role," an Applyrs spokesperson wrote in a statement. "Chief Cox will continue to serve in his role throughout the recruitment process and looks forward to continuing to serve as the Chief of the Albany Police Department in the future."
Cox originally served as APD chief from 2015 until his retirement in 2017. Then-Mayor Kathy Sheehan re-appointed Cox as chief in 2024, and Applyrs opted to keep Cox in the role after she started her term in January.
According to the New York State Department of Civil Service, "the overwhelming majority" of Section 211 waivers go to law enforcement personnel due to "the need for highly trained security personnel, particularly in the post 9/11 environment, and the abundant supply of retired law enforcement personnel."
