End of Homeless Encampment Sweeps Ignites Debate Amid Concerns for City Stability
Retired NYPD Chief of Department John Chell has voiced strong criticism against the decision to end homeless encampment sweeps by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. In a post on social media, Chell dismissed the move as a dangerous gamble that would likely worsen homelessness and deteriorate urban conditions.
According to reports, Chell took issue with Mamdani’s policy reversal from his previous rhetoric calling for defunding the NYPD. He questioned whether ending the citywide effort to address encampments was wise without ensuring adequate housing solutions first. “Under current law, you generally cannot force individuals into shelter — and many homeless people refuse services,” said Chell in a statement.
Chell emphasized that such actions would only lead to an increase in visible homelessness if resources were not properly allocated before discontinuing enforcement measures. He added, “Those resources must be created first… Otherwise, the predictable result will be a sharp rise in encampments.”
Mamdani previously had criticized the NYPD during his campaign but has since softened some of that rhetoric and proposed redirecting certain duties to civilian oversight teams. Chell expressed doubts about this shift, noting it might simply reorganize existing roles rather than effectively address underlying issues.
The debate highlights tensions between social equity initiatives and practical urban management approaches in New York City as authorities weigh policy changes against resource availability and legal constraints on forced displacement.
