Zohran Mamdani Aims to Build Trust with NYPD in Mayoral Bid

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is seeking to establish a constructive relationship with the NYPD, according to law enforcement experts and former officers. Despite facing criticism for past statements that called for a reduction in the number of police officers and labelled the department as “racist” and a threat to public safety, experts believe that rebuilding trust with the department is possible.

Mamdani’s critics have focused on his earlier remarks, which he has since moderated. While many officers may initially view him with skepticism, experts suggest that he can foster a more cooperative atmosphere by appointing a capable police commissioner, addressing officers’ concerns, and reforming responses to emergency mental health calls. His relationship with the NYPD is pivotal for public safety in New York City, where voters consistently rank safety as a top concern.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The division within the NYPD regarding Mamdani’s candidacy is not as clear-cut as some may expect. Rodney Harrison, who served as chief of department under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, emphasized that overcoming skepticism will require effort. He acknowledged that while Mamdani faces an uphill battle, positive actions can help mend the relationship.

“It’s going to be a little bit of an uphill battle,” Harrison stated, “but his actions have to be shown.” He noted that highlighting the commendable work of police officers is essential for fostering goodwill.

Former federal prosecutor Liz Glazer also commented on the perception of friction between Mamdani and the NYPD, stating, “The police department is not a monolith. It’s an incredibly diverse department, which is now majority-minority.” This diversity reflects the city’s demographics and suggests a more nuanced response from officers.

Concerns about a potential mass exodus of officers should Mamdani win the election are largely unfounded, according to Sal Greco, a former NYPD officer. He expressed doubts that such a scenario would occur, suggesting that officers will adapt to the elected leadership regardless of their personal preferences.

Leadership and Morale in the NYPD

Experts assert that Mamdani’s selection of a police commissioner will be a critical factor in maintaining a strong relationship with the NYPD. He will inherit a department grappling with issues of morale stemming from allegations of corruption and cronyism during the administration of Eric Adams. Jessica Tisch‘s leadership has begun to stabilize the department, but challenges remain.

“Part of that has to do with the fact that the department was run on a friends and family plan for many years under Adams,” Glazer noted. She added that such practices can be demoralizing for officers striving to perform well.

The NYPD has faced significant difficulties in retaining officers, driven by factors such as long hours and competitive pay from neighboring departments. Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, highlighted the exhaustion among officers due to chronic understaffing and a climate of second-guessing. He stated, “Fixing these issues will require sustained engagement with police officers.”

Harrison acknowledged the challenges officers face. “The difficulty in being a cop in the city is, unfortunately, seeing people commit violent crimes over and over again. The recidivism is a big issue,” he said. Data from Vital City indicates that recidivism rates have risen under the Adams administration, particularly for violent crimes on the subway.

Innovative Approaches to Public Safety

Earlier this year, Mamdani met with members of the NYPD, facilitated by Shamsul Haque, a former lieutenant commander who initially expressed skepticism but has since endorsed him. Haque pointed to Mamdani’s plan for a Department of Community Safety as a significant factor in his support. This initiative aims to reduce the number of 911 calls that police respond to for homelessness and mental health emergencies, delegating those calls to mental health professionals instead.

While there may be initial resistance to this overhaul, both Haque and Harrison believe it could garner support from officers over time. Haque compared it to the rollout of body-worn cameras, which faced skepticism but ultimately gained acceptance.

“This is a management innovation from the side of Mamdani to bring NYPD law enforcement and mental health professionals to the 21st century,” Haque said. He expressed optimism that officers would eventually recognize the benefits of the program.

As the mayoral election approaches in March 2024, the dynamics between Mamdani and the NYPD will be closely watched, with implications for public safety and community relations in New York City.