Police unions across New York rally behind Blakeman, touting ‘common-sense’ crime plan

On Monday in Williston Park, police representatives from across New York State publicly supported Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the gubernatorial contest, labeling his approach “common sense” compared with Governor Kathy Hochul. Nassau Police Benevolent Association president Tommy Shevlin, along with officials from the Nassau County Corrections Benevolent Association, Buffalo PBA, United Coalition of Public Safety, and Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, praised Blakeman’s claim of a more than 25% reduction in major crimes since he took office in 2022 and promised to replicate those results statewide.

He also announced plans to appoint “community-first” members to the state parole board and to pardon former NYPD officer Erik Duran. Hochul, meanwhile, was endorsed by the New York State Police Union, which cited nearly $4 billion in public-safety spending and a 10% drop in overall crime, including a 60% fall in shooting deaths. Several city police unions, including the NYC PBA, chose not to endorse either candidate. With a week left before the November 3 election, polls still show Hochul leading Blakeman by about 14 points.