NYPD Commissioner Tisch urges state action to address New York City’s mental health crisis.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has called for a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of individuals suffering from mental illness, emphasizing that police cannot be the sole responders to public safety issues. During an appearance on Fox 5’s “Good Day NY,” Tisch underscored the urgency of improving mental health services, particularly in light of recent violent incidents in the city. She pointed out that many of those involved in random attacks may be suffering from severe mental health issues, which often go untreated.
Tisch highlighted the high frequency of interactions between police and individuals in mental health distress, noting that officers bring these individuals to hospitals thousands of times each year. However, she criticized the rapid discharge process, where patients are often released just hours later with minimal resources, such as a sandwich. The commissioner urged Albany to invest more resources into mental health care facilities to effectively manage these cases and reduce the burden on law enforcement.
This call for increased mental health support comes on the heels of two significant incidents in which suspects were arrested for random attacks in the subway system. Notably, on Tuesday, a 25-year-old woman was stabbed in the back at the 23rd Street subway station in Chelsea during the evening rush hour. In the aftermath, police apprehended 21-year-old Carlos Rivera and charged him with attempted murder and assault in connection with the attack.
The conversation around mental health services is gaining traction in the political landscape of New York City. During a National Night Out Against Crime event, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani voiced support for reducing the responsibility of police when it comes to responding to mental health crises. This reflects a growing recognition that law enforcement officers should not always be the primary responders to such situations.
On the same day as Tisch’s statements, law enforcement identified and arrested a suspect in another disturbing incident involving a 94-year-old man in an Upper East Side Apple store, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and a strategic response to urban violence.
Tisch’s remarks and the recent arrests highlight an ongoing dialogue about public safety, mental health, and the role of law enforcement in New York City, signaling that the challenge requires a multifaceted approach and collaboration among various stakeholders, especially when it comes to addressing the needs of the city’s most vulnerable populations.
