Mamdani moves to disband NYPD protest-control unit – Politico

According to people familiar with the matter, Mamdani is considering replacing the SRG's protest-response function with a civilian-led unit focused on de-escalation. The new unit could operate under Mamdani's Office of Community Safety, established earlier this year. The plan could be announced as early as this week and formalized through an executive order.

Campaign Promise

Mamdani pledged to dismantle the NYPD's Strategic Response Group during his 2025 mayoral campaign following accusations that its officers had used excessive force against protesters. The unit was established in 2015 and came under increased scrutiny over its handling of the nationwide unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd in 2020.

Controversial Unit

In 2023, the NYPD agreed to restrict the SRG's deployment at peaceful demonstrations and prohibit the practice of surrounding and trapping protesters without grounds for arrest. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has called for the SRG to be removed from protest policing, arguing that its aggressive tactics escalated peaceful demonstrations into violent confrontations.

Mamdani has argued that counterterrorism operations should be separated from policing demonstrations to protect constitutional rights while maintaining public safety. Last month, he ordered the first comprehensive review of the NYPD's use-of-force policies in a decade, aiming to strengthen accountability.

Union Criticism

Mamdani's broader police reform agenda has drawn criticism from police unions. Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry accused the mayor of appeasing his "radical base," warning that the proposed overhaul would not make New Yorkers safer. Detectives Endowment Association president Scott Munro accused Mamdani of seeking to dismantle vital police units rather than support officers.