Former New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly expressed deep concerns regarding the deteriorating quality of life in the city, pointing to several factors including subway crime, a shortage of police officers, and the handling of the migrant crisis.
Kelly, who has held the position of police commissioner under two different mayoral administrations, highlighted a conversation he had with a visitor from London as indicative of the current state of affairs in New York City. According to Kelly, the visitor remarked that the city appeared to lack effective leadership, echoing Kelly’s own sentiments.
Discussing various issues plaguing the city, Kelly mentioned the presence of migrants outside the Roosevelt Hotel, colloquially referred to as the migrant intake center, as well as the challenges posed by homeless individuals and rising crime rates. He specifically noted the ongoing problem of subway crime, which he believes is deterring people from using public transportation.
Kelly also expressed pessimism about the future of the city, particularly in the short term, citing concerns about pedestrian safety due to the proliferation of scooters on sidewalks and streets.
Recruitment and retention of police officers emerged as another pressing issue for Kelly, who observed a decline in interest in joining the force following events like the death of George Floyd. He criticized the city’s handling of protests and recent police operational constraints, questioning Mayor Eric Adams’ leadership in agreeing to terms that he deemed detrimental to effective policing.
Regarding the migrant crisis, Kelly criticized the city’s financial response, particularly the distribution of prepaid credit cards to asylum-seekers, which he viewed as misguided. He called for more decisive action from Mayor Adams, suggesting that political considerations were overshadowing practical solutions.
Kelly also weighed in on state gun control measures, expressing skepticism about laws restricting licensed gun holders from carrying firearms in certain locations. He argued that such measures ultimately benefit criminals rather than improving public safety.
