President Obama’s top counterterrorism adviser yesterday praised the NYPD’s work.

John Brennan said New York’s Finest has struck a balance between keeping people safe and protecting their rights.

At an NYPD gathering, he said the federal government can’t identify terrorists and stop attacks without help from local agencies.

Brennan’s comments follow criticism of the NYPD’s domestic-intelligence operation, in which it placed Muslim businesses, mosques and student groups under surveillance.

He asserted that the department has done nothing illegal.

Brennan said he’d speak with Muslim leaders while he’s in town.