Mayor Mamdani Confirms Jessica Tisch Will Remain as NYPD Commissioner

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that he has no intention to remove NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, even as his administration begins a comprehensive review of the police department's use-of-force policies. This marks the first such review in a decade and comes amid ongoing public scrutiny of NYPD practices.

Administration Praises Commissioner Tisch's Leadership

Mayor Mamdani expressed confidence in Commissioner Tisch’s leadership, highlighting her history of addressing corruption at senior levels of the NYPD and her success in lowering crime citywide. Addressing reporters, Mamdani said, "Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner, I have no plans to change that, the reason that I made the decision to have Jessica Tisch as the police commissioner was because of her record of uprooting corruption from the upper echelons of the NYPD while lowering crime across the city."

Context: Calls for Police Reform and NYPD Policy Review

The mayor’s announcement comes at a time when his administration faces pressure from supporters to fulfill campaign promises regarding NYPD reform. Among these promises are calls to dismantle the department’s strategic response group, a specialized police unit. The comprehensive review of the NYPD's use-of-force policies is positioned as a key step in ongoing efforts for police accountability and reform. Officials noted that the review process will involve community input over the coming months. The NYPD currently employs approximately 34,000 uniformed officers and over 15,000 civilian staff members.

Impact of the Win Rozario Case and Accountability Measures

City Hall indicated that the Monday announcement regarding the policy review was prompted by the recent retirement of an NYPD officer who was facing internal disciplinary charges in connection with the 2024 shooting of 19-year-old Win Rozario. Rozario was fatally shot by officers during a mental health crisis. The officer involved was not criminally charged and was able to retire before the department's disciplinary proceedings concluded.

Commissioner Tisch acknowledged an administrative error in not notifying the city's Civilian Complaint Review Board during the officer retirement. "As a result of human error, we failed to do so, and I apologize for that mistake," Tisch said. A police spokesperson deferred further comments regarding the retirement to City Hall.

In response to the incident, Mayor Mamdani announced a series of reforms on Monday designed to strengthen accountability for officers accused of serious misconduct, emphasizing a proactive approach to police accountability and oversight.

Police Union Response

Patrick Hendry, president of a New York police union, criticized the city's plan in a public statement. He argued that "the mayor's radical base wants a wholesale dismantling of the NYPD, and it's clear this announcement is an attempt to appease them. It won't work, and it won't make New Yorkers any safer."

Looking Ahead: Policy Review and Continued Public Engagement

The review of NYPD use-of-force policies, alongside the announced reforms, signifies a renewed focus on police reform under Mayor Mamdani’s administration. Officials have committed to including the community’s voice in shaping future NYPD policies and practices as part of ongoing efforts to ensure police accountability and restore public trust.

Source: abc7ny.com.