Story perspectives

NYC Mayor-Elect Plans $1.1B Shift to Social Workers for 911

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Zohran Mamdani, NYC mayor-elect, plans to replace police with social workers for non-violent 911 calls.
Mamdani would create a $1.1 billion Department of Community Safety to implement it.
The B-HEARD program underpins the plan, as an audit found 60% ineligible calls and over 35% of eligible calls unanswered.
Critics warn the approach may endanger callers and responders.
Experts say the program needs better management and resources for safe emergency responses.

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Story summary

Zohran Mamdani, NYC mayor-elect, plans to replace police with social workers for non-violent 911 calls.
Mamdani would create a $1.1 billion Department of Community Safety to implement it.
The B-HEARD program underpins the plan, as an audit found 60% ineligible calls and over 35% of eligible calls unanswered.
Critics warn the approach may endanger callers and responders.
Experts say the program needs better management and resources for safe emergency responses.