Mamdani Will Retain Jessica Tisch as NYPD Commissioner, Emphasizing Public Safety and Stability

Mamdani to keep Tisch as New York City Police Commissioner

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced he will retain Jessica Tisch as New York City Police Commissioner, keeping her in charge of the nation's largest police force. The move follows a campaign pledge and appears intended to reassure voters who worried his past comments about policing signaled a softer approach to crime.

In a statement, Mamdani praised Tisch's record, highlighting efforts to address corruption, reduce crime, and defend New Yorkers' rights. He framed their partnership as focused on public safety, accountability and stability across the department.

'Together, we will deliver a city where rank-and-file police officers and the communities they serve alike are safe, represented, and proud to call New York their home,' Mamdani said.

In an internal NYPD email, Tisch called serving as commissioner 'the greatest privilege of my life' and said she was proud to continue in the role. She acknowledged differences with the mayor-elect but said their conversations showed they share 'broad and crucial priorities' including public safety, reducing crime, and maintaining departmental stability.

'Now, do the Mayor-elect and I agree on everything? No, we don't,' Tisch wrote. 'But I am confident that I can continue to lead this department honorably going forward and that I will be a fierce advocate for its members.'

On the campaign trail, Mamdani pledged to preserve the NYPD's head count while shifting some responsibilities to a civilian-led agency. He also said he has met with officers and apologized for past anti-police social media posts.

Background on Tisch

• Tisch was appointed police commissioner in 2024 by Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer.
• She is an 18-year veteran of public service, beginning her city career in 2008 in the NYPD's Counterterrorism Bureau.
• Before leading the NYPD, she ran New York City's Sanitation Department and its Information Technology and Telecommunications Department.
• Her family, led by her father (CEO of Loews Corp.), has been a major philanthropic supporter of institutions across the city, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York University and the Mount Sinai Health System.

City crime context

City data released by the NYPD in January show New York recorded 377 homicides in 2024, the lowest total since 2020. At the same time, the city recorded 29,417 felony assaults — the highest number of attacks involving or threatening serious injury in at least 24 years. Mamdani and Tisch both cited public safety and crime reduction as top priorities under the incoming administration.

This announcement signals continuity at the top of the NYPD while also setting expectations for collaboration between the mayor's office and police leadership as they address complex public-safety challenges.