Hochul’s Domestic Violence Training Mandate Undermined by Negative Record on Law Enforcement

Niagara Action
7 days ago
2 min read

Hochul’s Domestic Violence Training Mandate for Police Fails to Quiet Critics on Law Enforcement Record

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that starting January 1st, 2026, all police recruits in New York will be required to complete a new 16-hour “Domestic Incident Response” curriculum designed to emphasize survivor-centered, culturally responsive and trauma-informed policing.

Under the program, recruits will receive:

(1) Lethality assessment training to help officers recognize red-flags of escalating or potentially lethal violence;

(2) Interactive decision-based and reality-based scenario exercises reflecting the complexities of domestic violence calls;

(3) Training in trauma-informed interviewing techniques to help officers understand how trauma affects survivors;

(4) Modules on technology-facilitated abuse such as cyber-stalking and GPS tracking; and

(5) Guidance on documenting and using digital evidence to strengthen investigations and prosecution

“As the daughter of a domestic violence survivor, I know firsthand that the scars of domestic violence run deep; that’s why I’m committed to strengthening resources from law enforcement to support services so we can better protect survivors,” Hochul said. “We’ve made significant progress — allocating record levels of funding for victim services and law enforcement, and empowering district attorneys to take on violent offenders — but our work is far from finished. I’ll never stop fighting to protect families and ensure every New Yorker is safe.”

The initiative is being developed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and has been approved by the state’s Municipal Police Training Council.

“The new Domestic Incident Response curriculum and our growing STRIVE initiative reflect a clear evolution in how New York approaches domestic violence. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re equipping officers with the tools to respond with empathy and awareness, and helping communities build survivor-centered systems that protect families and promote long-term change,” said Commissioner Rossana Rosado of DCJS.

While the curriculum may appear progressive, Hochul’s broader record on policing and corrections continues to draw sharp criticism from law enforcement and public safety experts. For instance, numerous corrections officers have accused the governor’s administration of overreach after she issued Executive Order 47.3 which barred local law enforcement agencies from hiring fired corrections staff and was criticized by sheriffs as undermining local hiring authority.

Additionally, a recent report revealed that New York’s prison system is facing a severe crisis under Hochul’s watch: staffing shortages, escalating violence against corrections staff, and multiple fatalities among incarcerated individuals. Critics contend her policies, which included early release proposals and delays in oversight, have eroded officer morale and public safety.

Despite Hochul’s rhetoric about protecting families and supporting law enforcement, many believe the new training initiative rings hollow against the backdrop of a corrections system in turmoil and a governor who has been accused of choosing symbolism over substantive reform called for by law enforcement agencies across the state.