In an exclusive interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN’s The Situation Room, New York City Mayor Eric Adams introduced Jessica Tisch as the newly appointed commissioner of the NYPD.

Tisch, currently serving as the head of the Department of Sanitation, will step into her new role next week, marking a pivotal change in leadership as Adams aims to address the city’s safety and public service challenges.

Blitzer began by questioning Mayor Adams on his choice to appoint Tisch, who lacks experience as a uniformed officer, to lead the NYPD.

Mayor Adams responded confidently, stating, “The right time, right place. We are excellent at crime fighting… I want the department to go to the next level, more than just catching bad guys, but how do we use the technology, the vision, to ensure that we continue to be the safest big city in America.”

Adams highlighted Tisch’s achievements, including her role in implementing body-worn cameras and advancing police communication technology during her tenure with the department under former Commissioner Bratton. “I want this Police Department to be ready as we move deeper into this century,” Adams added.

When asked about the concerns raised by the Police Benevolent Association regarding the challenges officers face, Tisch was clear in her approach: “I’m a person who takes challenges head-on. I’m looking forward to working with all of our labor unions to understand the issues that our members have and to put in place plans to address them.”

Blitzer also addressed Mayor Adams’ stance on New York City’s sanctuary laws, particularly in light of recent discussions around immigration policies. Adams clarified, “Those who abuse their right to be in this country by violating and harming innocent people, they should not be here after they serve their time. I’m clear on that.”

He expressed a desire for cooperation with federal authorities, saying, “It’s imperative that this country rallies together to deal with the problems that working-class people are facing.”

The conversation then shifted to ongoing federal charges against Mayor Adams, including bribery and fraud, and his public interactions with President-elect Trump. Blitzer pressed Adams on whether he had spoken to Trump about a possible pardon, to which Adams responded, “I don’t go into private conversations, but that is not on my agenda. My agenda is fighting for the people of this city.”

Adams deflected further speculation, noting, “I have lawyers who handle that,” emphasizing that his focus remains on his mayoral duties.

Tisch added, in support of the administration’s track record, “Crime is down now 10 months in a row. In October, we saw a 26 percent decrease in crime on our subway system. The men and women of the New York City Police Department are out there doing their thing and delivering for New Yorkers.”

Blitzer concluded with a pressing question on homelessness and mental health in the city, highlighting recent tragic events.

Adams called for stronger measures to handle severe mental health cases, emphasizing the need for involuntary removal laws. “We need to have stronger laws that allow what’s called involuntary removal. People who are in danger to themselves and in danger to others, we need to be able to take the action to involuntarily move them off the streets,” he stated passionately, referencing recent incidents involving individuals with severe mental health issues.

The interview underscored the challenges facing New York City in maintaining public safety, upholding immigration laws, and tackling the complexities of mental health care—issues Mayor Adams and incoming Commissioner Tisch are poised to address in the coming months.