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…