Mayor Issues Executive Order No. 15 for NYC

Order establishes the Office of Community Safety to coordinate citywide violence prevention and mental health crisis response programs

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:09am

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New York City Mayor has issued Executive Order No. 15, which establishes the Office of Community Safety (OCS) within the Office of the Mayor. The OCS will be responsible for developing citywide community safety strategies, coordinating the work of various offices focused on crime victim services, gun violence prevention, domestic violence, hate crimes, and community mental health, as well as reviewing related budgets and programs.

Why it matters

The order aims to take a more holistic, whole-of-government approach to addressing issues like gun violence, mental health crises, and hate-based crimes in New York City. By centralizing coordination and oversight under the OCS, the city hopes to strengthen the impact of its existing programs and implement more effective, evidence-based strategies to improve public safety and community well-being.

The details

The OCS will be led by a Commissioner appointed by the Mayor and will have the authority to supervise and coordinate the work of several existing offices, including the Office of Crime Victim Services, Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, and Office of Community Mental Health. The OCS will also be able to collect data, convene interagency committees, review community safety programs, and make budget recommendations.

  • Executive Order No. 15 was issued on March 20, 2026.

The players

Office of Community Safety (OCS)

A new office established within the Office of the Mayor to coordinate citywide community safety initiatives.

Commissioner of Community Safety

The head of the OCS, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Office of Crime Victim Services

An office reestablished within the OCS to coordinate services and assistance for crime victims in New York City.

Office of Gun Violence Prevention

An office reestablished within the OCS to address gun violence using a holistic, public health-focused approach.

Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

An office reestablished within the OCS to coordinate domestic violence services and improve the city's response to these issues.

Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes

An office reestablished within the OCS to coordinate the city's efforts to prevent hate crimes and support affected communities.

Office of Community Mental Health

An office reestablished within the OCS to promote access to mental health services and reduce barriers to care.

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What’s next

The new Office of Community Safety will begin implementing the strategies and coordinating the various offices outlined in the executive order.

The takeaway

By centralizing community safety initiatives under the new Office of Community Safety, New York City is taking a more comprehensive approach to addressing complex public safety challenges like gun violence, mental health crises, and hate crimes. The goal is to improve coordination, leverage existing resources, and implement more effective, evidence-based solutions to enhance safety and well-being across the city.