Press release: Former Commissioner Bratton Endorses Judge Grasso for Queens District Attorney
Former NYPD Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, one of the world’s most respected and trusted law enforcement experts, today endorsed retired Judge George Grasso for Queens District Attorney. Commissioner Bratton led police agencies responsible for historic crime reductions in major cities across the nation — including the NYPD, twice, from 1994-1996 and 2014-2016.
“Judge Grasso is one of the sharpest legal minds I have had the opportunity to work with over my law enforcement career," said Commissioner Bratton. “He has highlighted the crime crisis in Queens and has the experience and knowledge to ensure the public safety that New Yorkers deserve. I saw, firsthand, the impact Judge Grasso had on New York City’s turnaround in the 1990s, as he played a key role in developing the NYPD’s first quality of life strategy, including the civil enforcement plan. In 2014, it was Judge Grasso who conceived ‘Project Reset’ to ensure our youngest New Yorkers are given every opportunity for success. Furthermore, during the pandemic, it was Judge Grasso’s plan that successfully organized and cut through the backlog of gun cases — a strategy implemented in every borough across the city that enhanced accountability for people charged with illegal gun possession. These are only some of the reasons I am confident that his election as Queens District Attorney will have a very substantial impact on public safety in Queens and throughout New York City.”
“I worked with Commissioner Bratton,” said Judge Grasso. “He knows what must be done in Queens and what must be done to take back our city from violent criminals and recidivists. Quality of life crimes undermine every community and make us all unsafe. As Queens District Attorney, I will continue to call upon Commissioner Bratton for his advice to ensure we do what the people need to be safe — not what the hard left or career politicians want.”
In Queens, the headlines have reported what residents already know — crime continues to skyrocket across the borough. From a gunman opening fire in an Ozone Park deli and larceny recidivism in stores, to emboldened criminals and attacks in the subways — the Grasso for Queens Campaign has highlighted the issues and created a plan to restore public safety for every resident. NYPD statistics show that crime in Patrol Borough Queens North is currently up 21.4% this year and 59.1% over a two year period.
Judge Grasso was most recently the Administrative Judge of Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term. He stepped down from the bench on August 31, 2022 to run for Queens District Attorney.
