Law enforcement and corrections officers don’t clock in for applause. They show up because they believe in service — protecting our communities and maintaining order in places where many of us would never want to be.
But today, too many in uniform are facing a reality that is no longer acceptable:
• Rising violence and threats on the job
• Chronic understaffing and mandatory overtime
• A lack of adequate equipment and mental health support
• Policies that make their jobs harder, not safer
And at the top of state government, leadership has fallen short.
A Governor Who Talks — But Doesn’t Deliver
Governor Kathy Hochul’s record on public safety and law enforcement support is clear: when the moment gets tough, she talks — a lot — but she does not act with the conviction officers deserve. Her leadership has been marked by reactive sound bites rather than proactive policy that protects officers in real time. For example, when law enforcement was thrust into the national spotlight over a split-second self-defense decision in Minnesota, her response was yet another missed opportunity to stand firmly behind the professionals who risk their lives daily.
Law enforcement does not need political wordsmiths. It needs leadership that pronounces support and delivers results.
Understanding What Officers Face
Across New York, officers face danger and pressure every shift. NYPD officers continue to confront violent offenders, call after call — often dealing with individuals with serious mental health issues and weapons, putting their lives on the line daily.
These realities are not abstract — they are the lived experiences of the men and women who put the badge on each morning.
Corrections Officers Deserve Support Too
W
hile police officers protect the public on the streets, corrections officers protect communities from within — often under even more dangerous, understaffed, and stressful conditions.
New York’s prison system has been in crisis for years. Assaults on corrections staff have surged, and chronic understaffing — with thousands of officer vacancies — has made an already dangerous job even more hazardous.
Officers are forced into long shifts, excessive overtime, and situations where they do not have the tools they need to keep themselves, their colleagues, and the incarcerated population safe. Legislation like the HALT Act has been cited by corrections officers as making conditions less safe and harder to maintain order — a reality that must be addressed, not ignored.
This is not about political theater — it is about life and death.
My Commitment to Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers
As
someone who has spent a career building systems that work — reliably and effectively — I know what leadership looks like. You don’t just talk about problems. You solve them.
Here is what I will do from Day One:
✔ Respect Your Profession
You will not hear vague promises to “support” you — you will hear and see action rooted in respect for the role you serve.
✔ Prioritize Safety and Staffing
From city police departments to state prisons, we will work to ensure that staffing levels are safe, sustainable, and enforced — with real accountability at every level.
✔ End Excessive Mandatory Overtime Systems
Officers across disciplines are being stretched beyond reasonable limits. We will fix scheduling and staffing so that workload does not compromise safety.
✔ Enhance Mental Health and Wellness Support
There is no “one size fits all” for the trauma officers face — but meaningful resources, counseling access, and dedicated support systems will be a priority.
✔ Workplace Policy That Works for You, Not Against You
Corrections officers have raised concerns about laws and policies that make their jobs more dangerous. We will work with officers directly to reform those policies with practical, safety-first solutions.
✔ Real Leadership — Not Political Spin
I don’t rely on speechwriters, spokespeople, or consultants. What you hear from me is what I believe — and what I will act on when in office.
Why This Matters — And Why Now
New
York is not a swing state. Law enforcement unions traditionally endorse Republican candidates, but in our state — where Democrats dominate — the only realistic path to a pro-law-enforcement governor is the Democratic primary. If law-enforcement leaders want a real partner who walks the walk, running and winning as a Democrat is the path that makes a difference.
Police officers and corrections officers deserve leadership that sees their sacrifices, and responds with policies that protect them, respect them, and support their vital mission.
This blog post is not a political message — it is a promise:
I will always stand with you — in policy, in action, and in principle.
Together, we can build a New York that supports those who support all of us.