NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Philip Banks, the highest ranking uniformed police officer in New York City, put in for retirement Friday, rejecting a promotion he accepted earlier in the week.
The 28-year veteran gave no reasons for his decision to leave instead of accepting a new post as first deputy commissioner, the No. 2 job. Police Commissioner Bill Bratton , who announced Banks promotion Tuesday, said Friday he accepted his resignation with "great regret."
Sources told the New York Daily News that Bratton had gone back on a promise to give his first deputy greater responsibility.
"Bratton told Banks he would get all new powers. ... Banks was reluctant," one said. "Many people told him not to give up Chief of Department and warned him that Bratton would renege."
Banks released a statement on Twitter: "Thanks for your support, the men and women of the #NYPD are truly the Finest, but due to professional reasons I have decided to retire."
Bratton, talking to reporters after a meeting with Mayor Bill deBlasio called the first deputy's job the "key advisory position to me."
Banks would have replaced Rafael Pineiro. who retired Friday.
