New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday directed the NYPD to conduct a comprehensive review of its use-of-force policies and practices, marking the first such review in a decade, according to the mayor's office.
The review will take place over the coming months and include a robust community engagement process. Mayor Mamdani also announced a package of reforms designed to strengthen accountability when police officers are accused of serious misconduct, including measures to facilitate the completion of the disciplinary process before an officer retires.
The announcement followed the retirement of an NYPD officer facing disciplinary charges related to the death of Win Rozario, a 19-year-old who was shot and killed by police in March 2024 during a mental health crisis at his Queens home. The officer retired before a disciplinary trial could take place, according to the mayor's office and the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which had brought misconduct charges against him.
Body camera video showed Rozario lunging at police with scissors as officers deployed tasers before firing several gunshots. The NYPD said a civilian employee should have notified the Police Oversight Board so the officer's retirement could have been paused until a trial.
"When the government uses force against a New Yorker, the standard for accountability must be at its highest," Mamdani said in a statement. "Every New Yorker deserves to know that force will be used lawfully, carefully and only when necessary."
The mayor said the review will examine whether officers have the guidance and training they need to respond to people in crisis. He also said the city has a responsibility to treat New Yorkers and their families with care and dignity.
The reforms announced Monday include steps to help ensure disciplinary cases are completed before officers retire. The shooting of Rozario sparked protests and debate about the NYPD's response to mental health calls.