New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has directed the NYPD to undertake its first department-wide use-of-force review in 10 years, while committing an additional $2.6 million to independent oversight of the police force.
The announcement Monday followed a decision allowing an officer involved in the fatal shooting of a mentally ill Queens teenager to retire before a disciplinary trial could take place.
“When the government uses force against a New Yorker, the standard for accountability must be at its highest. Every New Yorker deserves to know that force will be used lawfully, carefully and only when necessary,” Mamdani said in a statement.
Win Rozario, 19, was killed by police in March 2024 after officers responded to a 911 call at his family’s home in Ozone Park.
Disturbing body-camera footage showed Rozario lunging at officers with scissors before he was shot, despite pleas from his mother and brother urging police not to fire.
The footage also showed officers deploying Tasers against Rozario twice. He then moved toward them, prompting the shooting.
Officers Matthew Cianfrocco and Salvatore Alongi both opened fire. Rozario later died at a hospital.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James announced last December that her office would not bring criminal charges against the officers. The NYPD’s internal review, however, remained pending.
The case took another turn Thursday when one of the officers involved in Rozario’s death was permitted to retire ahead of his disciplinary trial, a decision that angered the teenager’s family.
“We have an obligation to Win’s family and to every New Yorker who calls for help in a moment of crisis,” Mamdani said.
“This review is about making sure our policies reflect that responsibility, that our officers have the guidance and training they need and that New Yorkers and their families can trust their city will treat them with care and dignity.”
Mamdani also said his administration would provide an additional $2.6 million to the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD.
The increase will triple the office’s existing headcount.
The OIG-NYPD operates independently to oversee the department and review its policies, practices and operations.