UPDATE: During a heated mayoral debate on September 27, 2023, candidate Zohran Mamdani announced he would retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected, shaking expectations among progressive allies aiming for substantial changes in the police department. This decision aligns with earlier reports from the New York Times and places Mamdani at odds with some grassroots reform advocates.
Mamdani praised Tisch’s tenure, saying, “Commissioner Tisch took on a broken status quo, started to deliver accountability, rooting out corruption and reducing crime across the five boroughs.” This statement underscores his commitment to continuity in leadership, even as it raises eyebrows among those who expected a more radical departure from the administration of Eric Adams.
The reaction from police reform advocates was immediate and critical. Alex Vitale, a professor at Brooklyn College and advisor to Mamdani’s campaign, cautioned that keeping Tisch could undermine Mamdani’s plans for a new department focused on mental health and community safety outside the NYPD. “With her running the NYPD, the NYPD is going to stymie his initiatives,” Vitale warned.
Business leaders reportedly influenced Mamdani’s decision, advocating for Tisch to remain in her role. Notably, Tisch’s affluent family has made donations to organizations opposing Mamdani’s campaign, adding another layer of complexity to her continued leadership.
Tisch, who has led the NYPD since late 2024, has faced criticism for her stance on crime. She attributes the city’s crime surge to the state’s 2020 bail reform laws, which eliminated cash bail for most non-violent offenses, rather than the pandemic. Mamdani, however, cites studies indicating that crime increased post-pandemic even in states without changes to bail laws, highlighting a significant rift in their perspectives on public safety.
While Tisch has also condemned the Raise the Age law, which lowers penalties for minors, Mamdani has defended it, asserting that its full implementation is still pending. Despite their differences, Mamdani has consistently commended Tisch for her efforts to combat corruption and enhance public safety.
As the debate unfolds, the implications of Mamdani’s decision become more pressing. His commitment to Tisch, amid potential backlash from reform advocates, raises questions about the future of policing and public safety initiatives in New York City.
What happens next? With the election approaching, all eyes will be on Mamdani as he navigates the delicate balance between tradition and reform. Voters will be eager to see how this decision impacts his campaign and the broader conversation surrounding police reform in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story.
