Tisch’s State of the NYPD

Crime and public safety remain top concerns for New Yorkers — including our Coalition members.

In her State of the NYPD address last week (which you can watch below), Commissioner Jessica Tisch outlined a two-pronged approach for improving public safety:

1. Cracking Down on Recidivism

• Over half of repeat misdemeanor offenders are not prosecuted or required to put up bail, so there is no disincentive to committing another crime.

• Tisch supports Gov. Hochul’s proposal to amend state law to give prosecutors better tools to avoid case dismissals and discourage recidivism.

• The NYPD now aims to track individuals who commit the same crime three or more times within a year and implement targeted interventions to prevent further offenses.

2. Improving Subway Safety

• At least 200 officers will be redeployed to subway platforms; the Governor is providing funds to put two officers on every train through the night.

• A new Quality of Life Division will focus on enforcing subway infractions like smoking, drinking, and taking up multiple seats.

• Dedicated enforcement teams in precincts will address local concerns and a real-time tracking system will monitor complaints to ensure faster responses to recurring problems.

According to Vital City, major crime in New York City has declined overall in 2024 but remains significantly above pre-pandemic levels. Most concerning, felony assaults increased by 5% compared to 2023 and are now over 40% higher than in 2019. This upward trend underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address public safety.

This will require sustained investment and broader policy changes beyond policing alone — including mental health services, housing, and criminal justice reform. Expect further debate on how best to balance enforcement with prevention efforts, especially in the upcoming 2025 mayoral race.