Hochul’s Response to Mamdani’s Police Reform Proposal

Governor Kathy Hochul recently sidestepped a direct answer regarding mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani’s intentions to remove the city’s top police officer from disciplinary functions. While expressing support for retaining New York’s most talented, she left the door open for further discussion.

Hochul noted that she would “talk about it” with Mamdani, who is advocating for the transfer of disciplinary authority to a civilian board that would handle NYPD complaints.

“If concrete proposals regarding the necessary restructuring come forward, we will discuss them,” Hochul stated.

Last week, Mamdani highlighted his aim to empower the Civilian Complaints Review Board (CCRB) with the authority to decide penalties for officers involved in misconduct, thus diminishing the police chief’s current powers.

This 15-member board is partly appointed by the mayor, while the remaining members are selected by the City Council, the Public Defender, and the Police Commissioner. The chairperson is designated by both the mayor and City Council.

Since endorsing Mamdani last month, Hochul indicated that he was “invited” to discussions on public safety at City Hall, which would include the selection of a police chief.

“Listen, nothing is going to happen in this city without me being aware and involved,” Hochul expressed to MSNBC earlier this summer.

On Wednesday, she reiterated her support for retaining current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch should Mamdani win in November.

Hochul mentioned that Mamdani “strongly recommended” Tisch’s continued role as police chief.

Moreover, Mamdani has previously described NYPD officers as “racist, anti-gay, and a serious threat to public safety.”

“We need a strong police commissioner, number one. I strongly recommended that Jessica Tisch be kept on, or someone of similar caliber who is respected and has a proven record in controlling crime,” Hochul elaborated in response to inquiries.

“An increase in crime under the next administration is unacceptable. We have to ensure that whoever is in City Hall prioritizes this issue,” she added.

Mamdani’s proposal to alter the CCRB’s process has drawn sharp criticism from police representatives, who view it as part of a broader anti-police agenda. Patrick Hendry, president of the New York Police Benefits Association, asserted, “If Rep. Mamdani pursues this plan, his professed support for police officers will be shown to be insincere. He is essentially running to defund the police.”