In a significant political development, New York City's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced that current Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch will retain her position when he assumes office on 1st January.
Historic Crime Reduction Secures Position
The decision comes despite Mamdani's previous criticisms of police institutions, with the democratic socialist pointing to remarkable crime statistics achieved under Tisch's leadership. During her tenure, New York has witnessed what officials describe as "historic" safety improvements.
Mamdani specifically highlighted that the city experienced the fewest shooting incidents and victims in recorded history during the first ten months of this year. Additional achievements include a nearly 20% decrease in murders citywide and the removal of more than 4,800 illegal guns in 2025.
The transit system has similarly benefited, with July, August, September, and October marking the four safest months in city transit in 15 years, excluding the unusual COVID-19 pandemic period.
Building Bridges Between Contrasting Philosophies
Mamdani, whose election victory attracted global attention as a democratic socialist success, has historically been vocal about police reform needs, particularly concerning racism and brutality issues. He once described the police department as "wicked and corrupt" during his time as Queens assemblyman.
However, the mayor-elect has since moderated his position, stating during his campaign that he no longer advocates defunding the police and acknowledging his views have evolved with experience.
"I am not defunding the police. I am not running to defund the police," Mamdani clarified in July, describing himself as "a candidate who is not fixed in time, one that learns and one that leads."
Mutual Respect Despite Differences
In his announcement, Mamdani expressed admiration for Tisch's accomplishments, stating: "I look forward to working with Commissioner Jessica Tisch to deliver genuine public safety in New York City. I have admired her work cracking down on corruption in the upper echelons of the police department."
Tisch, who began her 18-year public service career in the NYPD's counter-terrorism bureau, responded positively to the appointment. "I've spoken to mayor-elect Mamdani several times, and I'm ready to serve with honor as his police commissioner," she confirmed.
In an internal email to police department staff, Tisch acknowledged that while they "don't agree on everything," they share "broad and crucial priorities" including public safety, reducing crime, and maintaining departmental stability.
State officials have welcomed the continuity, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul describing Tisch as "a steadfast partner in driving crime down to historic lows." Similarly, New York Attorney General Leticia James expressed approval of the decision, noting that "under her leadership, murders are down to record lows."
The 34-year-old Mamdani, who will become New York's first Muslim mayor and its second-youngest, has already received over 50,000 résumés for city hall roles as he prepares to "usher in a new era" for the city.
