The former Chief of Department of the New York City Police, John Chell, has raised concerns regarding the views expressed by Zohran Mamdani about the NYPD.

During an appearance on Chris Cuomo’s show, Chell noted, “He is associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. Their stance on public safety is quite radical. They propose eliminating prisons and abolishing the police, portraying law enforcement negatively. Mamdani seems to support these ideas.”

Mamdani, who recently triumphed over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the race for New York City mayor, ran a campaign with a strong emphasis on making city life more affordable. His platform promised free public transportation, universal childcare, and a rent freeze for stabilized housing units.

Zohran Mamdani’s journey from a Queens lawmaker to the mayor of New York City highlights his significant political ascent.

The mayor-elect had previously said he supported defunding the police, calling them anti-gay, racist and a threat to public safety. However, in his acceptance speech Tuesday, Mamdani said he wants to work side-by-side with them.

“The speech last night kind of switched gears on us, a different person,” Chell said. “So, that’s why I say your DNA is your DNA.”

“We’re already down cops. He does not want to hire more cops. You’ve got to listen real carefully to what he says.”

Civilian Complaint Review Board will be crucial: Chell

Chell pointed out that Mamdani has made aspirations of keeping the staffing the same for the NYPD; however, Mamdani’s been adamant about the role of the Civilian Complaint Review Board.

“That will be a backbreaker,” Chell said. “You have these young investigators that do not like the police department to begin with, ok?”

“If you put it in their hands, cops will not stay to jeopardize their job, because the police commissioner says, ‘I know you want them terminated.’ No cop over 20 years that goes out, remotely goes out in the street, is going to take that chance for their pension and their family and their lives.”

I’m rooting for Mamdani: Chell

Despite Mamdani’s rhetoric, Chell acknowledged that he will support him because “if he does well, we do well.”

“I’m a New Yorker,” he said. “Like I say, he did a great campaign, great job. He went from 1% to a million voters. Now, the people who voted for him, they’re going to want their free stuff.”

Mamdani has reiterated his intention to keep the city’s current police commissioner, Jessica Tisch.