Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani expressed his hopes to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch as he prepares to take office in New York City. During an interview with ABC7’s Bill Ritter, Mamdani reiterated his support for Tisch, stating, “I do want her to stay. I made that commitment during the election and I continue to believe [that].”
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is navigating a complex relationship with the NYPD. He has been working to clarify his previous statements regarding police funding, including controversial calls to “defund the police.” While he has previously indicated he would look to keep Tisch in her role, she has remained silent on whether she would consider continuing in the Mamdani administration.
In his remarks, Mamdani commended Tisch’s leadership, while criticizing outgoing Mayor Eric Adams for the corruption and issues that plagued the NYPD under his administration. He noted, “She came into a police department where Mayor Adams had stacked the upper echelons with corruption and incompetence,” and highlighted her efforts to restore accountability and reduce crime in the city.
Despite their differing approaches to policing, there could be contention regarding police staffing. Tisch has expressed a desire to hire more officers, while Mamdani believes the current number of officers is sufficient. “I think the number of officers we have is the right amount,” he stated.
Mamdani also emphasized his plans to establish a Department of Community Safety aimed at addressing emergency calls involving mental health crises and homelessness, which he argues would free officers to tackle serious crimes. However, this proposal has drawn criticism from some law enforcement officials who view it as impractical.
While discussing his recent meeting with Tisch, Mamdani focused on the need for a unified approach to public safety, avoiding questions about whether his administration would impose stricter oversight on the department. He articulated that his vision for New York is a balanced one where safety and justice coexist, remarking, “The most important thing is that New Yorkers are given a city that is safe and a city that is just, and too often those things have been put in tension.”
The meeting between Mamdani and Tisch, described by a spokesperson as “positive and productive,” took place in person last Friday and signals the beginning of collaborative efforts toward a cohesive public safety strategy in the city. As Mamdani steps into his role, the future of the NYPD under his leadership will undoubtedly be an essential focal point for New Yorkers.