Mamdani's Decision to Keep Tisch as NYPD Boss Praised Across Political Spectrum, But Some Critics Remain Skeptical
In a surprise move, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Wednesday that he will keep Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her post after taking office. The decision has been met with widespread praise from across the political spectrum, with police unions and former law enforcement officials hailing Tisch's appointment as a "smart political move" and a "wise choice." Even the New York City Liberal Union (NYCLU), which has frequently criticized the NYPD, expressed its appreciation for Tisch's leadership.
Tisch, a former counterterrorism analyst, has been at the helm of the department since last year under Mayor Adams. During her tenure, she has earned recognition for rooting out corruption and reducing serious crimes such as shootings and homicides to historic lows. Her tough-on-crime reputation and broad appeal have made her an attractive choice for Mamdani.
"This just makes all the sense in the world," said Greg Krieg, media director at Democratic consulting firm Slingshot Strategies. "I think it's a smart political move and also a smart governing decision."
However, not everyone is convinced. Some of Mamdani's progressive allies fear that Tisch may stand in the way of their ambitious public safety proposals. The pair differ on several key issues, including bail reform.
While Tisch has deep roots in the department, having been appointed commissioner by Mayor Adams, some critics argue that her focus on policing low-level crimes could be a return to "broken windows" policing. This theory, championed by former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, emphasizes aggressive enforcement of minor violations as a means of reducing crime.
"We have appreciated Commissioner Tisch standing up to President Trump and stating loud and clear that there is no basis to send the National Guard to New York City," said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. "However, we hope she will place renewed emphasis on officer accountability and cooperate with the Civilian Complaint Review Board in the new administration."
The Justice Committee has criticized Mamdani's decision to keep Tisch, calling it a "rebuff of his promises to New Yorkers and a disturbing endorsement of NYPD's ongoing violence and corruption." Loyda Colón, executive director of the Justice Committee, has called for Tisch's immediate removal.
Despite these criticisms, many have welcomed the appointment as a sign that Mamdani is committed to building a strong team. "It shows that he means what he says: that he's going to put together the best team possible to serve the people of this city," said Chauncey Parker, a former deputy mayor of public safety under Mayor Eric Adams.
As Tisch and Mamdani prepare to work together on their ambitious plans for public safety, including the creation of a new Department of Community Safety, it remains to be seen how their differing views will play out.
In a surprise move, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Wednesday that he will keep Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her post after taking office. The decision has been met with widespread praise from across the political spectrum, with police unions and former law enforcement officials hailing Tisch's appointment as a "smart political move" and a "wise choice." Even the New York City Liberal Union (NYCLU), which has frequently criticized the NYPD, expressed its appreciation for Tisch's leadership.
Tisch, a former counterterrorism analyst, has been at the helm of the department since last year under Mayor Adams. During her tenure, she has earned recognition for rooting out corruption and reducing serious crimes such as shootings and homicides to historic lows. Her tough-on-crime reputation and broad appeal have made her an attractive choice for Mamdani.
"This just makes all the sense in the world," said Greg Krieg, media director at Democratic consulting firm Slingshot Strategies. "I think it's a smart political move and also a smart governing decision."
However, not everyone is convinced. Some of Mamdani's progressive allies fear that Tisch may stand in the way of their ambitious public safety proposals. The pair differ on several key issues, including bail reform.
While Tisch has deep roots in the department, having been appointed commissioner by Mayor Adams, some critics argue that her focus on policing low-level crimes could be a return to "broken windows" policing. This theory, championed by former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, emphasizes aggressive enforcement of minor violations as a means of reducing crime.
"We have appreciated Commissioner Tisch standing up to President Trump and stating loud and clear that there is no basis to send the National Guard to New York City," said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. "However, we hope she will place renewed emphasis on officer accountability and cooperate with the Civilian Complaint Review Board in the new administration."
The Justice Committee has criticized Mamdani's decision to keep Tisch, calling it a "rebuff of his promises to New Yorkers and a disturbing endorsement of NYPD's ongoing violence and corruption." Loyda Colón, executive director of the Justice Committee, has called for Tisch's immediate removal.
Despite these criticisms, many have welcomed the appointment as a sign that Mamdani is committed to building a strong team. "It shows that he means what he says: that he's going to put together the best team possible to serve the people of this city," said Chauncey Parker, a former deputy mayor of public safety under Mayor Eric Adams.
As Tisch and Mamdani prepare to work together on their ambitious plans for public safety, including the creation of a new Department of Community Safety, it remains to be seen how their differing views will play out.
. Like, Tisch has definitely done some cool stuff as commissioner, reducing serious crimes and all that. But at the same time, I'm a bit worried about her "tough-on-crime" rep and how it might clash with some of Mamdani's progressive ideas. Bail reform is a big deal, and if they can't even agree on that, it's gonna be a long 4 years 
. And honestly, some of the criticism from groups like the Justice Committee does have merit – we do need to make sure our police department is accountable and transparent. So, I guess only time will tell how this all plays out 
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i mean i get why ppl r skeptical tho like what if she doesnt b on board w/ the progressive agenda & its like a major concern cuz tisch did have that whole counterterrorism analyst vibe goin on 
which dont necessarily scream "reform" lol idk bout u but im more worried about loyda colóns claims of corruption n violence than i am about tisch bein a good cop 
Maybe Mamdani's trying to build a coalition or something, but it feels like Tisch might be holding him back.
. is he gonna push for more cops on the street or just keep the same old cop culture that lets people get away with systemic injustices? need to keep an eye on this one 
. It sounds like just more of the same old policing tactics that don't actually do much to address systemic issues. And what's up with all these criticisms from progressive groups? Can't they just give Tisch a chance to prove herself before trash-talking her? 
. But on the other hand, her tough-on-crime approach could potentially hinder Mamdani's progressive plans for public safety 
. And what really worries me is that she might be seen as a return to "broken windows" policing, which could lead to more aggressive enforcement of minor crimes 
.