New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched an internal review of the New York Police Department’s use of force. This move, announced on Monday, aims to ensure accountability in the city’s policing practices. However, it does not address some of his key campaign promises, such as disbanding a controversial police unit and eliminating a gang member database.
Mamdani emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “When the government uses force against a New Yorker, the standard for accountability must be at its highest.” Despite this new initiative, Mamdani has not fulfilled promises like disbanding the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group or reducing focus on low-level offenses.
A significant previous case involved Win Rozario, a 19-year-old who was shot by police in 2024 during a mental health crisis. The confrontation was caught on video, showing Rozario reacting adversely to police presence, leading to the use of Tasers, then being shot when he approached officers with scissors. New York Attorney General Letitia James decided against prosecuting the officers.
Mamdani’s initiative includes $2.6 million in funding for the NYPD’s Office of Inspector General. This funding will strengthen accountability measures and ensure state notification when officers facing disciplinary charges retire. This measure aims to prevent those officers from avoiding scrutiny by joining other law enforcement agencies.
“We have an obligation to Win’s family and to every New Yorker who calls for help in a moment of crisis,” said Mamdani, highlighting the importance of the review.
The initiative includes a significant use-of-force review involving community engagement. However, it lacks actions on promises to eliminate certain policing activities. This includes ending NYPD arrests for low-level crimes, which Mamdani argued hinder law enforcement’s ability to address more pressing issues.
Additionally, Mamdani has not yet dismantled the database of suspected gang members or disbanded the Strategic Response Group, which has faced criticism for aggressive protest management. Mamdani stated his intention to disband the SRG due to its high cost and controversial tactics.
Mamdani maintained previous Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a continuation from Eric Adams’ administration. His office did not comment on whether police reform plans have deviated from his original campaign path.
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