Former Yonkers Top Cop Named New MTA Chief Of Police

NEW YORK — Former Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller is sticking close to home, but his jurisdiction just got a whole lot bigger.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Wednesday the appointment of Mueller as the new MTA Chief of Police. Mueller comes to the MTA after 28 years of service at the Yonkers Police Department. In his new role, Mueller will oversee more than 1000 members of the MTA Police Department (MTAPD). The MTAPD is responsible for patrolling and securing the MTA's operating region spanning from Montauk to Poughkeepsie.

"Yonkers is the second largest city in the MTA region, and the Chief understands many of the same issues we are facing," MTA CEO Janno Lieber said announcing the appointment. "His experience in leading and developing police operations, and his ability to effect positive change was what made him such a strong candidate."

Mueller began his law enforcement career with the NYPD in 1992, joining Yonkers PD in 1994. He rose in the ranks over the years, leading to his appointment as Police Commissioner in 2019. During his most recent 10 years at Yonkers PD, the City of Yonkers saw a 45 percent reduction in crime through a hyper-focused, precision policing philosophy, credited to focused community engagement by officers, which Mueller pushed while Commanding Officer at the 4th Precinct.

"I am honored and excited to be joining the officers of the MTA Police Department whose outstanding reputation is well known," Mueller said. "Together we will demonstrate the skills and professionalism, listening to our riders' concerns and addressing those concerns, as we strive to make the MTA system the safest transit system in the country."

Since Mueller is staying in the neighborhood, his work with Pleasantville Strong, a substance abuse prevention program for adolescents that he founded will likely continue. He also co-founded the Yonkers Police - Fire Toughman Competition, a charity boxing competition that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over two decades.

“John Mueller is everything the MTA needs to lead a growing police force that riders depend on to keep our transportation system safe,” MTA Chief Safety Officer Patrick Warren said. “John’s experience in leading and developing police operations, and ability to effect positive change was what made him such a strong candidate. In his time at Yonkers PD, he understood the importance of community collaboration that built trust and helped reduced crime nearly in half in the third largest city in the state.”

Born and raised in Yonkers, Mueller holds a graduate degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, has attended the Police Executive Research Forum, the United States Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Defense and Homeland Security and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“John Mueller is an exemplary police officer in every way, serving 28 years for the residents of our city with honor and respect,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “As Commissioner, he strategically led Yonkers Finest to become one of the top police departments in the nation, making us one the safest cities of our size with his laser–focus approach to fighting crime, including increased community engagement and precision policing. I am confident his transparent and dedicated approach to law enforcement will transition well to the MTA Police in providing greater public safety for all.”

About MTAPD

The MTA Police Department was formed in 1998 with the consolidation of the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad police departments. After 9/11, MTAPD increased their counterterrorism capabilities, adding canine teams and emergency services officers. In 2005, the Staten Island Railway Police Department merged with the department.

On March 3, 2016, MTAPD attained accreditation status from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services—Accreditation Council. Known primarily for patrolling the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, MTAPD also patrols Staten Island Railway and assists the NYPD’s Transit Bureau in patrolling the New York City Transit subway system.