Joint Committee Hearing on the Office of Community Safety and Non-Police Solutions to Violence (October 30, 2026)

The New York City Council Committees on Public Safety (Chair Oswald J. Feliz) and Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation (Chair Gail Brewer) held a joint oversight hearing on Friday, October 30, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM in City Hall. The hearing examined the newly established Office of Community Safety (OCS), non-police violence reduction strategies, and three related bills. Speaker Julie Menin, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and multiple councilmembers participated. Following a lengthy panel of administration officials led by OCS Commissioner Dr. Aisha Delaney Brumsey, the committees heard over two hours of public testimony from more than 60 registered speakers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• School Safety and Youth Justice Coalition: Organizations including YAYA Network, Dignity in Schools, Girls for Gender Equity, and the UFT urged the council to expand OCS's scope to include schools. They argued the current $400 million school policing model disproportionately criminalizes Black and Brown students (52% of police interventions) and advocated for divesting from school police, investing in restorative justice, hiring school climate coordinators, and passing the Curb Act and Intro 460 (abolish gang database).
• Hate and Violence Prevention Coalition: Groups such as JFREJ, CAE, JCRC, Asian American Federation, and Arab American Association of NY praised the OPHC budget increase and PATH initiative. They stressed the importance of community-based, culturally competent prevention work over policing, requesting continued funding and meaningful stakeholder engagement in designing the future Department of Community Safety.
• Mental Health Crisis Response Advocates: NYLPI's Disability Justice Program, the Legal Aid Society, and individuals like Christina Spark and Nicholas Pearson delivered powerful testimony demanding police removal from mental health crisis response. They pointed to the near-fatal police shooting of Jabez Chockboardy and 24 police-involved deaths since 2015, calling for the full implementation of Daniel's Law. They urged that new legislation specifically bar police from being the primary responders.
• Community Members and Opposing View: A resident (Crystal Glover) expressed feeling disconnected from the city's process, advocating for respect and resources for low-income Black communities. Christopher Leon Johnson testified virtually in opposition, arguing the city needs more police, not violence interrupters.
• Direct Service Providers: Organizations including the Korean American Family Service Center and Muslim Community Network testified to the effectiveness of community-based safety nets, particularly for immigrant survivors of domestic violence, asking for continued sustainable funding.

Discussion Items

Office of Community Safety (OCS) Structure and Oversight

• Commissioner Brumsey testified that OCS was created by Executive Order in March 2026 to coordinate five existing mayoral offices: Neighborhood Safety, Community Mental Health, End Domestic & Gender-Based Violence (NGBV), Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC), and Crime Victim Services. Its stated goal is a "whole of government" public health approach to safety.
• The OCS budget is approximately $271 million, including $67 million in new investments. Staffing is around 100 people. Councilmembers expressed concern about a new layer of bureaucracy, with Councilmember Wong comparing it to the troubled Thrive NYC program. Commissioner Brumsey argued the consolidation enables a comprehensive strategy and better coordination.
• A 25.3% vacancy rate in NGBV was flagged. The administration attributed this to prior hiring freezes, while councilmembers noted reported rapes are up nearly 4% year-to-date.

BHERD (Behavioral Health Emergency Response) Program

• BHERD pairs 2 EMS workers with 1 social worker to respond to low-acuity 911 mental health calls.
• In FY 2026, BHERD responded to 8,524 of 10,945 eligible calls (77.8%). Of those served, 42% received care in the community rather than an ER. The program runs 9 AM to 1 AM in 31 precincts with a $35.3 million budget.
• Councilmembers Morano and Feliz pressed for data on long-term outcomes and repeat calls. Commissioner Brumsey acknowledged gaps in tracking what happens after an initial contact but cited an interagency working group and ongoing expansion plans.
• Councilmember Brewer noted the critical lack of step-down facilities (e.g., 24-hour observation) for individuals who don't need an ER but cannot be left in crisis.

Violence Prevention and Crisis Management System (CMS)

• CMS providers conducted 14,232 mediations and de-escalations in FY 26. Commissioner Brumsey cited evidence supporting the model, including a 34% reduction in low-level offenses related to Denver's STAR program.
• Councilmember Morano questioned the independent verification of CMS metrics beyond contractor self-reports. OCS cited regular site visits and plans for third-party evaluations.
• Councilmember Banks asked about the transfer of CMS contracts from DYCD to OCS and ensuring stable, on-time funding for providers. OCS committed to a new RFP and improved contracting processes.

Hate Crimes and Domestic Violence

• Hate crimes are up 13% in 2026. Speaker Menin noted OPHC had only 3 employees in June. OCS stated a $26 million budget increase is enabling significant hiring and program expansion (e.g., the PATH program was doubled).
• Councilmembers expressed concern over the removal of the NGBV Commissioner's standalone authority. OCS argued the restructuring allows better integration, noting a $15.7 million investment in NGBV programs.

Legislation

• Int 0403-2026 (Councilmember Restler): Would create a permanent Department of Community Safety. Supported by a supermajority of 34 co-sponsors and the Public Advocate. OCS supports the goal. Public testimony was largely supportive but urged specific amendments, including removing prescriptive language about patrols and NYPD coordination, and ensuring the department is designed collaboratively with community. Councilmember Morano pointed out a discrepancy where the Fiscal Impact Statement claims zero cost, contradicting the significant new resources discussed by OCS. The administration committed to working on amendments.
• Int 0414-2026 (Councilmember Riley): Would create a 3-digit gun violence intervention hotline. OCS supports the intent but suggested leveraging existing 988 and Hope Hotline infrastructure. Councilmember Stevens raised questions about data privacy from NYPD.
• Int 0667-2026 (Councilmember Williams): Would allow community service in lieu of fines for certain littering violations. Received less public discussion but was laid over.

Key Outcomes

• The oversight hearing (T2026-2551) on the Office of Community Safety was held and filed by the committee.
• Int 0403-2026 (Department of Community Safety), Int 0414-2026 (Gun Violence Hotline), and Int 0667-2026 (Community Service for Littering) were all heard and laid over by the committees, meaning no votes were taken.
• Councilmembers clearly signaled several expectations for OCS: develop a concrete BHERD expansion plan and 24/7 feasibility study, improve public reporting on long-term outcomes (e.g., repeat crisis calls), and enhance its physical and strategic presence in high-need communities like the Bronx.
• Commissioner Brumsey committed to collaboratively amending Intro 0403 with Councilmember Restler and incorporating peer workers into the BHERD program.