NYPD under Tisch STILL bringing crime down — except when Mamdani stops it

In February, the NYPD continued its trend of reducing crime to record lows, with the exception of one area where City Hall intervened. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has been effective in her role, but Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s interference has led to a spike in crime in the subway system.

The mayor’s decision to order police and other city workers not to remove the homeless or anyone else from the subway during the harsh winter weather resulted in a nearly 20% increase in subway crime. Ejections from the subway system decreased by 61% compared to January, leading to more than 190 offenses in February alone.

Despite this setback, the NYPD has seen significant improvements in other areas. Shooting incidents, shooting victims, and murders have all reached record lows through February 28. Murders have decreased by 33.3%, shooting incidents by 45.5%, shooting victims by 36.4%, and robberies by 33%.

Retail theft has also fallen by 24.7% compared to the same month last year, and crime in public housing has decreased by 14.7%. Commissioner Tisch’s implementation of “precision policing” in 2025 contributed to making it the safest year in New York City’s history, with major reductions in crime and gun violence. The potential for an even better year in 2026 is within reach.

However, Mayor Mamdani’s decision to maintain flat NYPD spending and scale back hiring plans could jeopardize these gains. Any further interference with Commissioner Tisch’s strategies could lead to a resurgence in crime, as seen in the recent subway crime spike.

It is crucial for City Hall to support the NYPD’s efforts in maintaining public safety and continue the progress made in reducing crime. By working together, the city can build on the successes of previous years and create a safer environment for all residents.