Chell: Assaulting NYC Police Should Lead to Mandatory Jail Time

By Sandy Fitzgerald (Wednesday, 03 December 2025)

Retired NYPD Chief John Chell has called for mandatory jail time for anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer. Speaking on Newsmax TV’s “Newsline,” Chell stated that intentionally trying to assault police or federal agents should carry immediate imprisonment.

Chell expressed his position directly, saying, “You place your hand on a law enforcement officer… intentionally trying to assault them, it should be mandatory jail time, end of story.”

The chief attributed the increase in assaults to recent bail reforms and stressed that officers need swift accountability measures to deter repeat offenses. He specifically criticized Alex Vitale’s views, calling his perspective inappropriate for public safety leadership.

Chell described Vitale as dangerous, stating unequivocally, “He should not be anywhere near the upcoming mayor’s public safety apparatus.”