Mamdani Orders NYPD Use-of-Force Review After Officer Retires Before Trial

Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered the NYPD on Monday to conduct its first comprehensive review of use-of-force policies in ten years. The directive follows the retirement of Officer Salvatore Alongi before he could face a disciplinary trial for the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Win Rozario during a mental health crisis in March 2024.

The review will unfold over the coming months and incorporate community input. City Hall also announced a $2.6 million increase in funding for independent police oversight and new safeguards to ensure disciplinary proceedings conclude before officers facing serious charges can retire.

“When the government uses force against a New Yorker, the standard for accountability must be at its highest.”

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch apologized to the Rozario family last week after the department admitted it failed to notify the Civilian Complaint Review Board of Alongi's retirement plans. The NYPD blamed a civilian employee, who was subsequently demoted and reassigned.

Alongi retired in May with an accidental disability pension, removing him from the CCRB's disciplinary jurisdiction. The second officer involved in the shooting remains on the force.

The Police Benevolent Association condemned the review, with President Patrick Hendry accusing Mamdani of appeasing a radical base seeking to dismantle the department. The union argued the move would not make New Yorkers safer.