NYC Lawmaker Faces Scrutiny Over Attendance Amid Push to Reform NYPD Unit
Councilmember Chi Ossé, who has the lowest attendance rate on the City Council, is leading efforts to disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group.
Brooklyn Democrat Chi Ossé, 28, is facing criticism for his attendance record on the New York City Council while simultaneously championing legislation to reform policing. Ossé, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has missed four of the 18 legislative meetings held this session without providing an excuse, giving him the poorest attendance record among the 51 council members.
Despite this absentee rate, Ossé is the lead sponsor of the Communities United to Reject Brutality Act, also known as the CURB Act. This proposed legislation aims to prevent the NYPD's Strategic Response Group, a unit often deployed to protests and large public gatherings, from policing demonstrations and to restrict officers' use of crowd-control tactics.
Ossé's legislative efforts have led to a public disagreement with Oswald Feliz, the chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee. Ossé has accused Feliz of obstructing a hearing for the CURB Act. In response, Feliz pointed to Ossé's attendance record, stating on social media that it "says everything we need to know: you literally have the worst attendance record of all 51 council members this session." Feliz also suggested Ossé was prioritizing social media engagement over legislative work.
The Strategic Response Group has been a subject of controversy, with critics alleging excessive force during protests. Ossé has used social media platforms to garner support for the CURB Act, urging constituents to contact council members.
One of Ossé's unexcused absences occurred on September 24, when he and Councilwoman Alexa Avilés skipped a legislative meeting to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the United Nations. Council rules stipulate that regular attendance is a core responsibility for elected officials, requiring in-person participation unless remote attendance is permitted.
When reached for comment, Ossé's office declined to address his attendance record or the New York Post's report on the matter.
Former mayoral candidate Andrew Yang, whose political rise was supported by the city's socialist movement, had previously pledged during his campaign to disband the Strategic Response Group. The NYPD relies on the unit for responding to demonstrations and large-scale events.