NYC Mayor Plans to Replace Protest Unit with Civilian Team

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly set to announce a plan to disband the Strategic Response Group (SRG), a specialized counterterrorism unit within the NYPD, and replace it with a civilian-led team focused on managing protests. The move, according to Politico, is expected to be revealed in the coming days, following months of internal discussions within City Hall.

The Strategic Response Group: A Key Asset

The SRG has been described as a critical asset for handling large-scale events, civil disorders, and major incidents such as protests, parades, and the papal visit. The NYPD’s website highlights the group’s role in crowd control, crime suppression, and responding to incidents like shootings, bank robberies, and missing persons. During events like the No Kings protests, which drew over 75,000 demonstrators, the SRG played a vital role in maintaining order without significant incidents.

Proposed Civilian Unit and NYPD Support

Under the proposed plan, a new civilian unit would be established to lead responses to protests, with support from NYPD officers who could step in for arrests if needed. The unit’s primary focus would be de-escalation, according to one source. City Hall is considering placing this new team under the Office of Community Safety, a department launched by Mamdani earlier this year.

Concerns from NYPD Leadership

NYPD Chief of Department John Chell has expressed concerns over the potential dissolution of the SRG, citing its effectiveness in managing protests. Chell noted that the SRG has been instrumental in preventing major incidents during large demonstrations, including the No Kings protests. He criticized the plan as ‘foolish’ and questioned the mayor’s understanding of the unit’s value.

Additional Controversies and Campaign Spending

Breitbart News previously reported that Mamdani spent tens of thousands of dollars on private security during his campaign for mayor, despite his ‘defund the police’ stance. This has raised questions about the feasibility and motivations behind his proposed changes to the NYPD’s structure and response strategies.