NYPD Faces Uncertain Future as Mayor-Elect Plans Major Budget Cuts

Former New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly warned that New York City’s police department could face significant reductions under incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani. Kelly, speaking on “Saturday Report,” stated that Mamdani intends to establish a new community safety agency with a budget of $1 billion, drawing funds from the NYPD’s existing resources.

He explained that 95% of the NYPD’s budget is allocated to personnel, meaning any substantial reallocation would likely result in fewer officers. Kelly emphasized that Mamdani has repeatedly criticized the NYPD, calling it racist and biased, and accused it of fueling crime. Despite backing away from explicit calls to defund the police during his campaign, Mamdani has signaled a shift toward restructuring law enforcement priorities.

Kelly noted concerns among NYPD members about Mamdani’s potential plans to transfer disciplinary authority over police misconduct from the police commissioner to a civilian-led review board. He acknowledged uncertainty about the exact scope of changes but warned that the policies could destabilize the department.

Meanwhile, other cities have begun recruiting NYPD officers, anticipating possible departures due to Mamdani’s proposed reforms. Federal agencies like ICE have also launched outreach efforts in New York to attract law enforcement personnel.