Bratton, de Blasio Deny Report He Was Chosen NYPD Chief

NEW YORK

Both Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio and Bill Bratton, a former police commissioner under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, denied a report Wednesday that Bratton was chosen by de Blasio to be the next police commissioner.

The PIX 11 report set off a media buzz late Tuesday night when they claimed that Bratton, long considered a frontrunner for the job, had already been tapped to lead the nation’s largest police force along a different path charted by the mayor-elect.

“I have not picked anyone. I have not had any final conversations with any candidates,” de Blasio said. “We are continuing the process and I think you can start to expect the announcements late next week.”

“Ch. 11 report is inaccurate,” Bratton told Politicker, adding that “‘Police sources’ would be last to know” about his future plans.

The report quoted “three sources close to the NYPD.” But de Blasio said that the press will be the “first” to know when he decides on a pick.

De Blasio has said several times that he has interviewed three candidates to replace Raymond Kelly, Bratton, Chief of Department Phillip Banks III and First Deputy Commissioner Rafael Pineiro.

Proving that all local politics is global, de Blasio was also asked Wednesday on the nuclear deal the West reached with Iran.

De Blasio, who as public advocate was very vocal against Iran — even setting up an “Iran Watch” list to promote divesting from companies who invest in the Mideast nation — said that he felt the administration took the proper step in opening a dialogue.

De Blasio said that the sanctions regime must continue. “But I have to say, I think these negotiations are promising. I think we have a first step. The administration’s been clear — it’s only a first step. But for the first time in memory, the two nations are talking. I think that’s important. I think that’s positive. I think this could be the best way to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.”

“If Iran doesn’t keep its end of the bargain,” he added, “it’s very easy to restart and intensify the sanctions. … But I’m certain the president, like I feel, doesn’t believe you can trust the Iranian regime until they prove — by actual good behavior — they are trustworthy.”

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