Leading with strength: Deputy Inspector Rachael Kosak paves the way for women in the NYPD
A 17-year NYPD veteran, Kosak stepped into the role last April. She previously served in the 63rd Precinct and worked in the Detective Borough of Brooklyn South and the Narcotics Borough for Brooklyn North.
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Women continue to rise through the ranks of the NYPD, bringing strong leadership to the department.
Deputy Inspector Rachael Kosak is among them, serving as the commanding officer of the 67th Precinct—one of the busiest in the city.
When visitors enter the precinct, they are typically met by officers at the front desk. But in a quiet, tucked-away office, Kosak leads the charge. She is the second female commanding officer of the precinct and one of the few women in leadership roles within the NYPD.
“I have a really great team here, so they’ve helped me transition into this new position,” Kosak said.
A 17-year NYPD veteran, Kosak stepped into the role last April. She previously served in the 63rd Precinct and worked in the Detective Borough of Brooklyn South and the Narcotics Borough for Brooklyn North.
Since taking command, crime in the 67th Precinct has declined significantly. While many credit her leadership for the drop, Kosak says much of the work happens behind the scenes.
“You can check our CompStat page and see we’re down 10% in crime,” she said. “Last year, we had a record number of shootings, but people don’t see the work being done behind the scenes—the officers we’ve been able to look out for.”
Kosak emphasizes that her success is a reflection of her team’s dedication. She takes a people-first approach to policing, working to strengthen ties between the community and law enforcement.
“I’m proud of the team I’ve built,” she said. “I’m proud of the work everyone around me is doing and their commitment to making sure both the department and the community are good.”
Looking back, Kosak never imagined her career would reach this point. Her advice to young girls considering a future in law enforcement is simple: just try it.
“If you take the opportunities, step outside your comfort zone, and build a strong network around you, you can have a career here,” she said. “I want to show that there’s another side to this job—one that not everyone in my position has had.”
