New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn attention for his efforts to disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group (SRG). At a press conference, Mamdani stated, "I continue to believe we need to disband the SRG, and I'm currently in conversations with the police commissioner in ways we can do so that are operational," according to NBC New York. The SRG, which is tasked with responding to citywide protests and emergencies, has been criticized for its military-style tactics, particularly in handling demonstrations.
The call to disband the SRG follows criticism of the unit, including SRG officers, for a militaristic approach after more than 60 anti-ICE protesters were arrested last month. The protesters had occupied the lobby of a Lower Manhattan hotel, prompting a response from the SRG as part of NYPD operations. Support for changes to the unit has also come from former NYPD official Anthony Raganella, who helped establish the SRG but now advocates for its complete overhaul, as reported by Gothamist.
Raganella’s concerns about the SRG’s structure emerged shortly after its launch, focusing on the potential conflict of officers being trained to use heavy weapons while also managing peaceful protests. His initial proposal for an extensive training academy for the unit was scaled back, leaving the final program focused on specialty weapons. Although SRG officers receive seven weeks of training in crowd control and arrest tactics, along with monthly refresher courses, these measures have not fully addressed public or internal concerns.
While Mayor Mamdani and former officials like Raganella advocate for separating counterterrorism efforts from protest response, others emphasize the role of a unit like the SRG. Tyron Pope, an assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, noted that the presence of military-grade weapons and protective gear has raised concerns but stressed the importance of preparedness, as reported by Gothamist. The NYPD has similarly highlighted the professionalism of the SRG in written testimony for a 2023 City Council hearing.
Despite these justifications, public concern and legal developments, including the 2023 settlement related to detentions during George Floyd protests, are influencing discussions about potential changes to the SRG. Mamdani has emphasized the goal of clearly separating counterterrorism activities from the policing of First Amendment-protected demonstrations as conversations with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch continue. As reforms are considered, it remains unclear what form they will take or how they will address calls for separating police functions in New York City.
