Law and order: Former NYPD chief talks public safety during Whitestone Republican Club meeting

By Robert Pearl Posted on January 19, 2026

The Whitestone Republican Club opened its first meeting of the new year last Wednesday night with a full house, drawing residents, civic leaders and local elected officials to a wide-ranging discussion on public safety, city governance and the state of New York politics.

The January meeting, held at 10-20 Clintonville St., featured guest speaker John Chell, former Chief of the Department of the New York City Police Department, who addressed crime trends, policing challenges and the evolving role of law enforcement in New York City.