NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has accepted a job offer from incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani, but despite their shared goals, there are areas where they don't see eye to eye. In statements announcing the appointment, both Tisch and Mamdani emphasized the importance of lowering crime rates and fighting corruption within the NYPD.
However, in a message to department members, Tisch acknowledged that she doesn't share her new boss's views on every issue. "The reason I have chosen to stay is you," she wrote. "Now, do the Mayor-elect and I agree on everything? No, we don't." This sentiment was echoed by Mamdani in a phone interview after the announcement, where he stated that disagreements are not only reconcilable but also a sign of a healthy partnership.
One area of disagreement appears to be bail reform. Tisch has been an outspoken critic of New York state's reforms, which she believes contributed to the city's spike in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Mamdani expressed support for the reforms and their importance in addressing social injustices.
Another point of contention is policing of protests. Tisch has overseen increased quality of life enforcement by the NYPD, which includes responding to minor offenses like noise complaints and double parking. This approach has drawn criticism from criminal justice reform advocates, who argue that such efforts can lead to further marginalization of already vulnerable communities.
Mamdani's proposal for a Department of Community Safety, which would send mental health professionals to help New Yorkers in distress, also raises questions about how it will interact with the NYPD. While both Tisch and Mamdani stated that they want to ensure collaboration between the two entities, critics remain skeptical about the potential for further entanglement of law enforcement with social services.
The Police Benevolent Association welcomed the appointment of a stable and experienced leader in Tisch, citing her understanding of the challenges faced by police officers. Despite their differences, both Tisch and Mamdani appear committed to finding common ground and working towards a shared vision for public safety.
However, in a message to department members, Tisch acknowledged that she doesn't share her new boss's views on every issue. "The reason I have chosen to stay is you," she wrote. "Now, do the Mayor-elect and I agree on everything? No, we don't." This sentiment was echoed by Mamdani in a phone interview after the announcement, where he stated that disagreements are not only reconcilable but also a sign of a healthy partnership.
One area of disagreement appears to be bail reform. Tisch has been an outspoken critic of New York state's reforms, which she believes contributed to the city's spike in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Mamdani expressed support for the reforms and their importance in addressing social injustices.
Another point of contention is policing of protests. Tisch has overseen increased quality of life enforcement by the NYPD, which includes responding to minor offenses like noise complaints and double parking. This approach has drawn criticism from criminal justice reform advocates, who argue that such efforts can lead to further marginalization of already vulnerable communities.
Mamdani's proposal for a Department of Community Safety, which would send mental health professionals to help New Yorkers in distress, also raises questions about how it will interact with the NYPD. While both Tisch and Mamdani stated that they want to ensure collaboration between the two entities, critics remain skeptical about the potential for further entanglement of law enforcement with social services.
The Police Benevolent Association welcomed the appointment of a stable and experienced leader in Tisch, citing her understanding of the challenges faced by police officers. Despite their differences, both Tisch and Mamdani appear committed to finding common ground and working towards a shared vision for public safety.