Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Unwise Gamble on Ending Homeless Encampments

Retired NYPD Chief of Department John Chell has voiced a strong critique against Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s plan to halt homeless encampment sweeps, branding the decision as a reckless gamble that will likely worsen New York City’s homelessness crisis.

Chell called it a dangerous gamble. He dismissed the move as failing to address the core issue of connecting people in need with actual housing solutions before simply stopping enforcement actions against encampments.

“The majority of individuals experiencing homelessness refuse services anyway, so forcing them out is generally not legally feasible,” Chell wrote. “Ending street intervention programs without first establishing sufficient resources like new housing and treatment facilities isn’t a plan – it’s an irresponsible gamble.”

According to the text, more than 45,000 complaints regarding encampments have been reported in 2025 alone.

Chell has previously warned against what he perceives as radical-left policies. He believes that simply ending sweeps won’t solve the underlying problems of homelessness and mental health services shortage.

“I’ve been very vocal about this,” Chell stated, expressing concern over the lack of concrete plans to expand affordable housing and service capacity before implementing such sweeping changes in tactics.

He also noted skepticism regarding Mamdani’s proposed $1 billion Department of Community Safety as a replacement for NYPD functions. “This is nothing more than diverting existing resources without addressing the real needs,” Chell asserted, worried that it will ultimately lead to worse conditions on the streets.