The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is firmly committed to reducing crime and preventing any backslide into the dangerous levels of criminal activity seen in the past. This was the clear message conveyed by NYPD Chief of Department John Chell during his appearance on Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria, hosted by Maria Bartiromo. With crime rates in New York City showing promising reductions, including a significant decrease in shootings, Chief Chell warned against any attempts to defund or restrict the police department, stressing that such actions could have devastating consequences.
Crime Reduction in NYC: A Success Story
Maria Bartiromo began the segment by highlighting some of the recent successes in crime reduction across New York City. She noted that, as of the latest statistics, murders are down 23% year-to-date, and total major felony offenses have dropped nearly 6%. These positive trends, according to Bartiromo, are partly due to former President Donald Trump’s policies, especially in relation to border control, which she linked to a broader reduction in crime.
NYPD’s Tireless Efforts
Chief Chell agreed with this assessment but was quick to shift the focus back to the tireless efforts of the NYPD. He pointed out that, under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams, the police force has achieved its best shooting violence record in recent years, with shooting incidents down 54% since 2022. He also stressed that the city has seen improvements in quality of life, thanks to their continued efforts in tackling crime on the streets.
The Threat of Going Backwards: A Grave Concern
Despite these impressive results, Chief Chell did not mince words when addressing the potential threats to the ongoing progress. Bartiromo asked if the city could return to the high levels of crime experienced in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly if mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, were to take office and follow through on his calls to defund the police.
In his response, Chief Chell was emphatic: “We cannot go backwards. It is not an option.” He emphasized that the NYPD had worked hard to bring crime down in recent years and that the city’s safety was far too important to risk reversing these gains. He reiterated that the city’s police department is currently the safest in America and that there is “no going backwards” on crime. Chief Chell further noted that reducing police resources would only empower criminals, creating more harm and instability in New York.
The Role of Mayor Eric Adams in Supporting Public Safety
Bartiromo raised the point that New York’s current Mayor, Eric Adams, has been a consistent supporter of the NYPD. She pointed to the mayor’s law-and-order stance, which aligns closely with the NYPD’s efforts. Chief Chell echoed this sentiment, stating that Mayor Adams supports the department wholeheartedly, ensuring they have the necessary funding and resources to keep the city safe.
Chief Chell praised the mayor for his commitment to public safety and his support of the police department. He highlighted that Mayor Adams has given the NYPD the tools it needs to succeed, including the ability to address crime proactively rather than reactively. “We are the safest city in America,” Chief Chell declared, underscoring the progress that has been made under Adams’ leadership.
The Challenges of Defunding the Police
The conversation turned to the political climate surrounding police funding, particularly the stance of Zohran Mamdani, who has been vocal about his desire to defund the police. Mamdani, who won the Democratic mayoral primary, has faced intense scrutiny for his past comments calling for police reform, including his infamous statement in June 2020 that “we need to defund the NYPD.”
Mamdani’s Rhetoric Raises Concerns
While Mamdani has recently backtracked, claiming that he will not defund the police, his past rhetoric continues to raise concerns about the future of public safety in the city. Chief Chell warned that if Mamdani’s policies were implemented, it could lead to a significant deterioration in crime control efforts. He pointed to the city’s current police shortage – down 7,000 officers – and the dire need for more personnel to maintain public safety.
“If we lose more officers or resources, we will lose the city,” Chief Chell warned, underscoring the dangers of reducing police presence and funding. He also expressed his concern that defunding the police would empower criminals even further, exacerbating the challenges the city already faces.
Crime and Migration: A Complex Issue
Maria Bartiromo also raised the issue of immigration and its connection to rising crime rates, particularly in the context of migrants from Venezuela. She asked Chief Chell whether the city could return to the crime spike seen earlier when large numbers of migrants were crossing into the U.S. and engaging in criminal activities.
Chief Chell responded by noting that the NYPD had seen a significant rise in violent crimes committed by migrants, particularly on mopeds. However, he emphasized that through collaboration with federal partners, the NYPD had taken significant action to address the issue, including the removal of guns from the streets and the capture of individuals involved in violent crimes. He pointed to the success of these efforts, noting that crimes committed on mopeds had decreased significantly in 2025.
The Role of Federal and Local Partnerships
The NYPD’s success in curbing crime, especially crimes involving migrants, highlights the importance of federal and local law enforcement collaboration. Chief Chell acknowledged the role of federal agencies, including the FBI and ICE, in tackling national security threats posed by Iranian-backed sleeper cells operating in New York City. He noted that the NYPD’s intelligence bureau, in cooperation with federal partners, had successfully identified and dismantled several terrorist plots and had been vigilant in preventing future threats.
“We’re well versed on what [Iranian operatives] do,” Chief Chell said, further stressing that the NYPD’s ability to work alongside federal agencies ensures that the city is prepared for any emerging threats. His comments were a reminder of the complex security landscape in New York, where local crime and national security concerns intersect.
Challenges and the Need for More Police Officers
Chief Chell was clear about the challenges the NYPD faces in maintaining public safety with fewer officers. He stressed that the department was already operating under-staffed, which is why recruiting new officers is a top priority. As part of the plan to address this issue, the NYPD has reduced its college credit requirements for new recruits, allowing the department to bring in more candidates.
Despite the challenges, Chief Chell remains optimistic about the future, highlighting that another 1,000 officers will be deployed to the streets of New York in August 2025. He emphasized the importance of having a well-trained and well-supported police force to continue the fight against crime.
Public Safety and the Importance of Community Trust
In his final remarks, Chief Chell emphasized that the key to continued success in reducing crime is maintaining the public’s trust. He praised the NYPD’s community policing efforts, which have helped foster stronger relationships between officers and the communities they serve. “Public safety is the foundation of everything,” Chief Chell said, highlighting that the city’s progress in reducing crime cannot continue without the support and trust of the people.
A Commitment to Law and Order
As New York City continues its fight against crime, Chief Chell’s words serve as a reminder that progress is fragile and must be protected. The NYPD, under Mayor Eric Adams’ leadership, is focused on maintaining public safety, with a firm commitment to not going backwards. While political debates around police funding continue to rage, Chief Chell’s unequivocal stance is clear: any attempt to undermine the NYPD will lead to a loss of the safety and security that New Yorkers have worked so hard to achieve.
To learn more, watch the Fox Business video here.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.