NYPD's Controversial Protest Unit Under Fire Again
A former NYPD official who played a key role in shaping the Strategic Response Group (SRG), a unit tasked with responding to protests in the city, is now calling for its complete overhaul. Anthony Raganella, a retired deputy inspector, expressed concerns about the unit's design from the outset, citing the dual responsibility of officers carrying heavy weapons while also being trained to handle peaceful protests.
Raganella, who was instrumental in establishing the SRG, said he had initially supported the idea but became increasingly uneasy as the training program took shape. The unit's initial focus on specialty weapons and its emphasis on using force raised red flags, Raganella argued. He believed that this approach created an inherent conflict of interest, where officers were trained to use heavy machinery while also facilitating First Amendment events.
Civil liberties groups have long criticized the SRG, accusing officers assigned to the unit of brutality during protests. The department has agreed to limit the circumstances under which SRG officers can be deployed to protests as a condition of settling claims brought by protesters.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned on disbanding the SRG, recently stated his commitment to dismantling the unit. He cited the dual responsibilities of the SRG, arguing that it creates an inherent conflict. The Police Commissioner has engaged in discussions with the mayor about potential alternatives to the SRG.
However, not everyone shares Mamdani's views. Some argue that a properly trained and equipped unit is necessary for ensuring public safety in New York City. They point out that critics of the SRG are uncomfortable with the paramilitary aspect of the unit, including the use of heavy-grade weapons and military-style training.
As the debate over the SRG's future continues, Raganella cautions against a hasty overhaul. He fears that if the NYPD replaces the SRG without significant changes, it will simply be rebranded under a new name, effectively perpetuating the same problems. The need for reform is clear, but Raganella argues that any solution must prioritize transparency and accountability within the department.
A former NYPD official who played a key role in shaping the Strategic Response Group (SRG), a unit tasked with responding to protests in the city, is now calling for its complete overhaul. Anthony Raganella, a retired deputy inspector, expressed concerns about the unit's design from the outset, citing the dual responsibility of officers carrying heavy weapons while also being trained to handle peaceful protests.
Raganella, who was instrumental in establishing the SRG, said he had initially supported the idea but became increasingly uneasy as the training program took shape. The unit's initial focus on specialty weapons and its emphasis on using force raised red flags, Raganella argued. He believed that this approach created an inherent conflict of interest, where officers were trained to use heavy machinery while also facilitating First Amendment events.
Civil liberties groups have long criticized the SRG, accusing officers assigned to the unit of brutality during protests. The department has agreed to limit the circumstances under which SRG officers can be deployed to protests as a condition of settling claims brought by protesters.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned on disbanding the SRG, recently stated his commitment to dismantling the unit. He cited the dual responsibilities of the SRG, arguing that it creates an inherent conflict. The Police Commissioner has engaged in discussions with the mayor about potential alternatives to the SRG.
However, not everyone shares Mamdani's views. Some argue that a properly trained and equipped unit is necessary for ensuring public safety in New York City. They point out that critics of the SRG are uncomfortable with the paramilitary aspect of the unit, including the use of heavy-grade weapons and military-style training.
As the debate over the SRG's future continues, Raganella cautions against a hasty overhaul. He fears that if the NYPD replaces the SRG without significant changes, it will simply be rebranded under a new name, effectively perpetuating the same problems. The need for reform is clear, but Raganella argues that any solution must prioritize transparency and accountability within the department.
. I mean, can't we just have a unit that focuses on de-escalation and crowd control without all the heavy artillery? It seems like the NYPD is caught between a rock and a hard place - they need to keep people safe but also respect protesters' rights. The fact that some officers are trained for both is super problematic 
. Raganella's concerns are valid, but at the same time, I get why some people think having a specialized unit is necessary. What's important is making sure it's done in a way that prioritizes transparency and accountability - no more shady dealings or cover-ups 
. The city deserves better than to be treated like a war zone during protests.
. The city needs someone who can keep everyone safe without resorting to heavy-handed tactics. And let's be real, the department's already got a bad rep when it comes to handling protests 
. We need some serious changes, like more transparency and accountability, before we even consider keeping the SRG around 
.
. I mean, what's the point of having a team trained to handle both heavy machinery and peaceful protests? It just seems like they're trying to have it both ways... or should I say, both riot control and First Amendment rights? 
The fact that this unit has been under fire for so long already is a major red flag. And now, with Mayor Mamdani trying to disband it, but not everyone on board, it's like the department is just trying to kick the can down the street 
. We need real reform, not just a fancy new name or some tweaks to the training program. Transparency and accountability are key - that's what the SRG really needs 
.
then we get some old timer come along like Raganella & start spilling the tea... like, what's good? why didn't anyone catch on sooner? shouldn't we be having a real discussion about the actual issues here? not just whether to rebrand or replace it with something new 
.
. The dual responsibility thing is wild 
.
. We can't just dismantle the unit without a solid plan in place or risk replacing one set of problems with another 
.
. I ain't mad at him, but I think he's right on the money. We need to make sure these officers are trained to handle situations peacefully, not just with batons and tear gas 
. I'm glad Mayor Mamdani is pushin' for a change, but we need to make sure any new unit that comes in is gonna be done right 
.
. Transparency and accountability gotta be the key 
... otherwise, we're just gonna be back where we started 
.