Mayor Adams, NYPD launch quality of life division to tackle everyday issues

File Source: NYC.gov

In a major push to reshape how public safety is delivered in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch have announced the launch of the Quality of Life Division — a dedicated NYPD initiative designed to swiftly address the persistent non-emergency issues that affect New Yorkers’ daily lives and rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.

The new division will focus on quality-of-life problems that, while not criminal, can deeply affect how people feel in their neighborhoods — including noise complaints, illegal parking, outdoor drug use, aggressive panhandling, abandoned vehicles, and illegal vending. The move comes as 311 complaints about such issues have surged citywide over the past six years.

“Since day one, this administration has been clear: We will not tolerate an atmosphere where anything goes, and today, we are taking public safety to the next level with the creation of a new NYPD Quality of Life Division,” said Mayor Adams. “Issues like illegal vending, substance use, abandoned vehicles, illegal mopeds, reckless driving, and more have persisted for far too long. We will not rest until we have addressed the issues that affect the lives of everyday New Yorkers, and we will continue to make every borough, every neighborhood, and every block safer across our city. Together, we will protect public safety and make New York City the best place to raise a family.”

Commissioner Tisch echoed the mayor’s resolve, noting the shift in focus from major crime to everyday disturbances that often go unnoticed but erode quality of life: “Thanks to the incredible work of the women and men in blue, we’ve seen historic declines in major crimes across the city. Now, we’re turning our attention toward the issues that New Yorkers see and feel every day — the things that don’t always make headlines but deeply impact how people live. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe, and the Quality of Life Division will take a direct approach to address these issues impacting our streets and public housing developments.”

The division will begin as a pilot in five precincts — the 13th, 40th, 60th, 75th, and 101st — along with Police Service Area 1. Its officers will be drawn from existing community-focused NYPD roles, including neighborhood coordination, youth coordination, and traffic safety officers. This restructuring ensures the initiative comes at no additional cost to taxpayers, as it uses personnel and resources already within the department’s existing budget.

Deputy Chief William Glynn, a 21-year NYPD veteran known for his leadership in borough-wide initiatives and recent efforts to restore order along Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, will lead the new division. He previously played a central role in launching the Adams administration’s Community Link program and will now oversee a layered operational structure involving citywide support teams, an analytics and support unit, and local Q-Teams within precincts.

The division will implement a new data-tracking system called Q-Stat — modeled after the NYPD’s CompStat system — to monitor trends in 311 complaints and deploy resources strategically. Q-Stat meetings will begin in May and aim to identify neighborhoods struggling with persistent quality-of-life problems, offering non-enforcement solutions wherever possible.

Q-Team officers will receive specialized training focused on handling public complaints effectively, using tools like sound meters for noise disputes, and addressing issues ranging from derelict vehicles to reckless driving. The additional training will build on their existing roles, preparing them to work in closer alignment with community needs and expectations.

The announcement has garnered widespread support from city and state officials.

“I applaud Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Tisch for the launch of the new NYPD Quality of Life Division,” said New York State Assemblymember Nikki Lucas. “Communities across our City deserve to have quality of life issues prioritized, while leaving a positive impact in neighborhoods where trust for NYPD has been diminished.”

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez praised the division’s potential to rebuild public confidence: “Quality-of-life issues, when left unaddressed, can erode public confidence and fuel a sense of disorder. I commend Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch for launching this new division, which brings together officers already working closely with our communities to respond more effectively and respectfully to the concerns that matter most to New Yorkers. This thoughtful approach has the potential to strengthen public trust and promote safety in every neighborhood.”

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg added, “Community well-being and New Yorkers’ quality of life are important elements of public safety. We look forward to continuing to work with the NYPD on our shared missions.”

City Councilmember Keith Powers emphasized the importance of responding quickly to non-emergencies: “Data has shown that quality-of-life issues have risen over the last few years. The formation of the NYPD’s new Quality of Life Division will decrease response times and allow everyday New Yorkers to know that their non-emergency needs are being handled with expediency.”

Meanwhile, Councilmember Justin Brannan highlighted the pilot program’s significance in his district: “Coney Island’s inclusion in the pilot rollout is going to be a big deal – in a neighborhood where we’ve too often been left without the resources we need, and this program will offer a go-to team to address neighborhood conditions with the care and specificity we deserve. I look forward to working with both neighbors and the NYPD to make sure this program is a rolled out in a way that makes life better for everyone who calls Coney Island home, even when it’s not beach weather.”

The NYPD encourages all New Yorkers to continue using the 311 system for non-emergency concerns. In case of emergencies, residents should contact 911 or seek out the nearest police officer or station.