Chell Urges Tougher Penalties For Assaulting Police

Rising concerns about street disorder have prompted calls for mandatory jail time for those who assault law enforcement officers.

Retired NYPD Chief John Chell told Newsmax on Wednesday that individuals who intentionally place their hands on a law enforcement officer, whether federal or local, should face automatic imprisonment. Speaking directly to the issue of rising tensions and violence against officers, Chell argued: “You place your hand on a law enforcement officer… intentionally trying to assault them, it should be mandatory jail time, end of story, full stop.”

He suggested that setting minimum sentences for such assaults would serve as an effective deterrent.

Specifically recommending a sentence length between six months and one year, Chell stated this approach would likely halt aggressive behavior quickly. “Put someone behind bars for six months to a year,” he advised, “and it will stop rather quickly.”

His comments came in the context of lawmakers considering measures to enhance penalties for assaulting federal officers.

Chell also addressed recent protests where officers were subjected to physical attacks, including being pelted with items. He stressed that immediate and certain accountability is crucial not only to protect officers from harm but also to discourage repeat offenses by those seeking confrontation.

In a related critique, Chell voiced strong objections to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s appointment of Alex Vitale, a noted critic of the police force and author of “Policing New York City: Social Order Social Change.” He warned that Vitale’s perspective, which includes labeling law enforcement as “violence workers,” reflects an unsuitable mindset for involvement in public safety matters.

“The man is dangerous,” Chell declared. “He should not be anywhere near the public safety apparatus of the upcoming mayor and should be removed immediately.”

Chell further cautioned that ideologies challenging traditional police roles could seriously undermine vital community safety protections if influential within city government circles.