Metro

Hispanic community backs NYPD vet for next police commissioner

Hispanic cops threw their full weight behind one of their own for the Police Commissioner’s post.

The National Latino Officers Association joined with the Hispanic Society and the New York Dominican Officers Organization to endorse First Deputy Commissioner Rafael Pineiro as the city’s next top cop.

Current Police Commissioner Ray Kelly appointed Pineiro the NYPD’s first Hispanic Chief of Personnel in 2002. Pineiro has been with the department for more than 40 years, as a precinct commander in the Bronx and the borough’s patrol commander. He has served with several bureaus in the department, including housing, legal and criminal justice.

During a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at police headquarters Tuesday, NYPD Hispanic Society President Dennis Gonzalez praised Pineiro for his“sterling reputation.”

Supporters called for all Hispanic elected officials, advocacy groups, clergy and community leaders to “demand that the next mayor make history” by appointing the veteran cop.

“The next mayor needs to be thinking about addressing the needs of the community by appointing the first Hispanic Police Commissioner,” the groups said in the statement.

They said said the current First Deputy Commissioner, a licensed attorney, is capable of driving down crime while improving community relations.