New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has outlined a comprehensive public safety plan centered on a new Department of Community Safety, a proposal gaining traction as the New York Police Department (NYPD) faces unprecedented officer attrition. The plan, which Mamdani suggests would be implemented should NYPD officers choose to leave their posts, was highlighted in a recent tweet by Associated Fress, stating, "> Mamdani Announces Plan If NYPD Cops Quit". This initiative reflects Mamdani's long-standing advocacy for shifting public safety responsibilities away from traditional policing.
Mamdani's signature proposal involves establishing a Department of Community Safety (DCS), envisioned with a budget of approximately $1 billion. This new agency would focus on expanding violence interrupter programs and deploying mental health teams to respond to 911 calls, thereby reducing the number of incidents requiring police intervention. The DCS aims to civilianize responses to a range of issues currently handled by uniformed officers, aligning with a broader re-evaluation of public safety models.
The context for Mamdani's plan is the significant and ongoing exodus of officers from the NYPD. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) reports that the department is experiencing historically high attrition rates, with thousands of officers retiring or resigning annually, often outpacing new recruits. PBA President Patrick Hendry noted that the NYPD is currently short over 7,000 officers from its peak staffing levels, losing more than 200 officers each month due to various factors including pay, working conditions, and perceived anti-police sentiment.
Mamdani's strategy directly addresses this staffing crisis by proposing an alternative framework rather than focusing on increasing police headcount. While he has previously used "defund the police" rhetoric, he has since refined his stance, emphasizing a re-allocation of resources to community-based solutions without advocating for the complete abolition of the police force. His plan suggests reducing police overtime and potentially disbanding specialized units, directing funds towards the new DCS.
The proposal has drawn both support from progressive circles and criticism from those who advocate for a stronger police presence. Opponents express concerns that a reduced police force, even with alternative response models, could compromise public safety. Mamdani's vision, however, seeks to leverage the current attrition as an opportunity to fundamentally reshape how New York City approaches crime and community well-being, prioritizing social services and civilian-led interventions.