NYPD's JOHN CHELL FOR MAYOR — IS NYC READY? episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 24, 2026 · 3H 4M

NYPD's JOHN CHELL FOR MAYOR — IS NYC READY?

from New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Podcast · host Bleav + John D. Macari Jr. + Eric S. Dym

Former NYPD Chief of Department John Chell wants to be the next Mayor of New York City. But before New Yorkers decide whether a former cop belongs in City Hall, The Finest Unfiltered is taking a look at the entire John Chell record — not just the campaign promises. Chell is proposing a dramatically different direction for the NYPD, including making it the highest-paid police department in the nation, increasing the department to nearly 40,000 officers, and establishing physical-fitness standards for members of every rank. That last proposal raises some interesting questions. Throughout Chell's rise through the NYPD ranks, critics and observers questioned his own physical appearance and whether he appeared to represent the type of fitness standard he is now advocating for other officers and supervisors. Chell also retired from the NYPD on a three-quarter disability pension, reportedly worth approximately $296,000 per year and largely tax-free. We examine Chell's lengthy and checkered NYPD history, controversies surrounding his leadership, and the recent lawsuits in which Chell has been named, while distinguishing allegations contained in litigation from established facts. There is also the other side of the argument. Chell spent more than three decades in the NYPD and ultimately became Chief of Department — the highest-ranking uniformed position in America's largest police department. He understands policing, crime and the internal workings of New York City government in a way few traditional political candidates can claim. So what would a Mayor John Chell actually look like? Could a former NYPD Chief restore staffing, morale and competitive salaries to the department? Or will Chell's record, controversies, disability pension and past leadership decisions become major liabilities once a citywide campaign begins examining his career? We break down the good, the bad and the controversial and ask: JOHN CHELL FOR MAYOR — IS NYC READY? KALSHI Download the Kalshi app and use promo code FINEST to get $10 when you trade $10. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST Subscribe to The Finest Unfiltered for independent coverage and analysis of the NYPD, NYC politics, crime, policing and public safety. #JohnChell #NYPD #NYCMayor #NYCPolitics #ZohranMamdani #NewYorkCity #Police #TheFinestUnfiltered Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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This episode is 3 hours and 4 minutes long.

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This episode was published on August 24, 2026.

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