U.S.WHAT JUST HAPPENED

Mamdani orders NYPD use-of-force review as left presses for more

The review covers the NYPD's written use-of-force rules, while the mayor's progressive allies keep calling for bigger changes; a clipboard has entered the chat.

On air: Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock on BBN Tonight
Published 7:09 PM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Gothamist: “Mayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 7:09 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock.
Topics: NYPD, Mamdani.
BBN covered this story before: DSA pressures Mamdani to fire NYPD chief after ICE shooting (October 12).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

GothamistMayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorMayor Zohran Mamdani has ordered a review of how the NYPD uses force, and that's the new piece since our four o'clock report on the pressure from his own allies.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOkay, so for someone who just tuned in: what exactly is being reviewed, and who asked for it?
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorGothamist reports the mayor wants the department's use-of-force policies examined. That means the written rules for when officers can physically act and how.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo a review. Not a firing.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNot a firing.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorEarlier today, Democratic Socialists of America allies were pressing him to remove Commissioner Jessica Tisch after an ICE shooting, and to disband the Strategic Response Group.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd the review doesn't say yes to either of those things, as far as we know?
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNothing in the reporting says it does. The AP says progressives are calling for greater change than a review.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the left flank asked for a fire alarm and got a very thoughtful smoke detector.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA smoke detector with a clipboard! I love it so much I'm almost emotional.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI'm more emotional. I would like the record to show that.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorLet's talk background. A mayor can order a review, but the police commissioner runs the department day to day.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWhich is why the Tisch question matters. Who does the reviewing, and who has to listen?
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThat part is not clear yet, and we won't guess. The reporting we have doesn't spell out a timeline or who leads it.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWho's affected? Basically everybody who lives in the five boroughs, plus every officer working a shift tonight.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorRight. Supporters of a review say clear rules protect the public and officers alike.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd critics?
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorProgressives say a review is too small a step, and the AP notes they want bigger changes.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOthers would say rules should be studied before anything gets torn down.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBoth sides want to feel heard, and one of them wants it by Friday.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWhat to watch: whether the mayor's allies accept the review, and whether the commissioner stays.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the one-sentence version: the mayor ordered a look at the rules, and his allies wanted a decision.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd I'd like to formally order a review of that sentence, because I'm that delighted.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThat's the most New York thing you've ever said, Chip, and I'm furious I didn't say it first.