In a major initiative to strengthen public safety and protect victims of domestic abuse, Mayor Eric Adams announced the launch of a new unit within the New York Police Department (NYPD) composed of 450 specially trained officers. The unit will focus exclusively on handling domestic violence cases across the city’s five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
According to city officials, the move comes in response to a noticeable rise in domestic violence reports over the past year, with many cases involving repeat offenders and victims who struggled to access timely protection.
“This new division will ensure that every victim gets the attention, compassion, and justice they deserve,” Mayor Adams said during the press conference at City Hall. “Domestic violence is not a private matter — it’s a public safety issue, and New York will lead by example.”
The new officers will undergo specialized training in crisis intervention, victim support, and trauma-informed policing. They will also coordinate closely with social services, shelters, and community organizations to provide holistic assistance to victims, including legal help and relocation support.
Deputy Commissioner of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau emphasized that the new structure is designed to respond faster to domestic violence calls, conduct thorough follow-ups, and improve prevention strategies through early intervention.
The unit will be distributed strategically across all precincts, prioritizing neighborhoods with the highest rates of domestic incidents. Officials said the initiative also aims to rebuild trust between survivors and law enforcement, particularly in communities where victims are often reluctant to report abuse.
“Our message is simple: if you’re suffering, you’re not alone — and help will come quicker than ever before,” said Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.
City Hall confirmed that the program’s first phase will roll out immediately, with full deployment expected by early 2026.
This marks one of the largest domestic-violence-focused expansions in the history of the NYPD, signaling a stronger commitment to protecting families and ensuring safety at home — the place where every New Yorker deserves to feel most secure.
