New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has sparked controversy by reaffirming his intent to dismantle the NYPD’s gang—or “criminal group”—database, calling it a tool rooted in racial profiling with harmful consequences for minority communities.
During a recent interview, Mamdani underscored his commitment: if elected mayor, he would eliminate the gang database. His stance echoes earlier efforts—dating back to 2022—as he and other progressive lawmakers sought to dismantle the system, citing its disproportionate targeting of Black and Hispanic individuals.
The NYPD, however, strongly defends the database. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised it as essential for crime-fighting in the Bronx, noting that it enables the department to identify gang members and their activity zones—she credited it with helping reduce shooting incidents and save lives.
In a New York Voice News exclusive interview with NYPD Deputy Chief Jason Savino, he explained that the Criminal Group Database stands as a cornerstone of the NYPD’s efforts to combat gang violence in New York City. He said, “Eliminating the gang database would be detrimental and harmful to New Yorkers. Without this tool, our ability to predict and prevent gang-related violence would be severely compromised, putting both our officers and the public at greater risk.”
Critics argue that abolishing the database could jeopardize public safety, particularly in communities most affected by gang violence. A recent New York Post editorial warned that removing this tool would disproportionately harm the very minority populations Mamdani aims to protect, pointing to data showing a sharp drop in major crimes and shootings in the city.
Meanwhile, conservative commentators remain critical. On Fox Business, Joe Concha warned that Mamdani’s proposal—among other campaign promises—could serve as “a walking, talking ad for the GOP,” arguing its implications might stir public concern.
Mamdani’s position fits into his broader platform seeking to reimagine public safety: he advocates shifting resources toward a Department of Community Safety, which prioritizes violence-interruption and mental-health interventions over traditional policing.
As the November election approaches, Mamdani’s call to scrap the NYPD’s gang database places him at odds with law enforcement leaders—and positions public safety as a pivotal battleground in his campaign.
