13 Facts About Michael Codd

Michael Joseph Codd was an American law enforcement officer who served as New York City Police Commissioner from 1974 to 1977.

Michael Codd was one of ten children born to Mark and Elizabeth Codd, both Irish immigrants.

Michael Codd began his law enforcement career with the New York State Police in 1939.

Michael Codd was promoted to sergeant in 1949, lieutenant in 1952, and captain in 1959.

Michael Codd was chief inspector during the 1972 Harlem mosque incident and the 1973 Brooklyn hostage crisis.

Michael Codd retired from the department on April 16,1973.

Michael Codd's retirement was short lived as on December 12,1973, mayor-elect Abraham Beame announced Michael Codd as his choice for police commissioner.

Michael Codd planned to have civilians take over more of the non-law enforcement in department and soon after taking office announced he would move 1,000 officers from clerical assignments to street patrol.

Michael Codd led the department during the New York City blackout of 1977, which saw over 2,000 looting incidents and an estimated $1 billion in losses.

Michael Codd led the department during the shooting spree of the Son of Sam, who killed six and wounded seven people between July 29 and July 31,1977.

On September 11,1977, Michael Codd was admitted to St John's Queens Hospital for exhaustion.

Michael Codd announced his resignation on December 1,1977, to allow incoming mayor Ed Koch to appoint his own commissioner.

Michael Codd died on August 29,1985, at his home in Elmhurst, Queens.