Mayor Mamdani Initiates NYPD Use-of-Force Review Amid Unfulfilled Campaign Promises

<p>New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the launch of an internal review of the New York Police Department’s use of force on October 12, 2026. This initiative does not fulfill several of his campaign promises, including the disbandment of a controversial police unit and the elimination of a database of suspected gang members.</p><p>Mamdani stated, "When the government uses force against a New Yorker, the standard for accountability must be at its highest. Every New Yorker deserves to know that force will be used lawfully, carefully and only when necessary."</p><p>More than nine months after taking office, Mamdani has not yet disbanded the NYPD's Strategic Response Group, eliminated its database of suspected gang members, or shifted police resources away from low-level offenses.</p><p>The review follows the May 2026 retirement of one of the officers involved in the 2024 shooting of 19-year-old Win Rozario, which occurred before any disciplinary trial could take place. Video footage from March 2024 shows officers responding to a call made by Rozario, who was experiencing a mental health crisis. An altercation ensued, leading to officers using Tasers on him. Rozario then advanced on officers with scissors, resulting in them shooting him at close range.</p><p>New York Attorney General Letitia James' office declined to bring criminal charges against the officers in December 2025, stating that prosecutors could not disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that their use of deadly force was justified under state law.</p><p>Mamdani framed his initiative as a means to strengthen accountability, with an additional $2.6 million in funding for the Office of Inspector General for the NYPD. The NYPD will also notify state authorities when officers facing disciplinary charges retire, allowing for potential decertification and preventing those officers from joining other law enforcement agencies.</p><p>The use-of-force review, described by Mamdani as the first of its kind in over a decade, will include a "robust community engagement process." Mamdani stated, "We have an obligation to Win’s family and to every New Yorker who calls for help in a moment of crisis. This review is about making sure our policies reflect that responsibility."</p><p>However, the proposed changes do not meet Mamdani's earlier campaign promises to eliminate certain policing activities. He had called for an end to NYPD arrests for lower-level crimes, such as public urination and open container violations, arguing that these activities hinder officers' ability to address violent crimes.</p><p>During his tenure, public urination summonses have increased by 18%, according to recent reporting. Mamdani also promised to end the database of suspected gang members and to disband the Strategic Response Group, which has faced criticism for aggressive tactics during protests.</p><p>In addition to maintaining these elements, Mamdani retained Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who was appointed by his predecessor, Eric Adams. Mamdani’s office has not yet responded to inquiries regarding whether his police reform plans have diverged from his original proposals.</p>