NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent Union CWA Local 1182 Attends Opening of 2026 New York State Legislative Session
New York, NY — Alexander Sadik, President of the NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent Union, CWA Local 1182, attended the opening session of the 2026 New York State legislative year at the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate to advocate on behalf of the men and women of the NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents.
During the opening session, President Sadik met with members of both the Assembly and the Senate in their offices to directly voice the concerns and priorities of union members. These discussions focused on improving safety, workplace protections, and legal recognition for Traffic Enforcement Agents who serve on the front lines of New York City streets every day.
Traffic Enforcement Agents are routinely assaulted and injured while performing their duties. Agents face confrontations daily while issuing summonses, directing traffic, and protecting pedestrians, often without the legal protections or safety equipment afforded to other uniformed personnel.
Currently, NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents are designated as civilian staff within the NYPD. As a result, when agents are assaulted in the line of duty, attackers are often charged only with harassment rather than felony assault. In addition, Traffic Enforcement Agents do not have access to essential safety equipment such as bullet resistant vests and body worn cameras.
The union is advocating for peace officer status, which would provide stronger legal protections and improve agent safety. Under this designation, assaults against NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents would be charged as felony offenses. Peace officer status would also allow agents to formally petition the NYPD for critical safety equipment, including protective vests and body worn cameras. These tools help deter attacks, support successful prosecution, and protect agents while performing their duties.Peace officer status would also make Traffic Enforcement Agents eligible for benefits under New York State’s Heart Bill. Under this law, police officers who are permanently disabled due to heart disease, and who passed an entry physical examination showing no prior heart condition, may qualify for an accidental or performance of duty disability retirement benefit. Eligibility requires that the application be filed while the officer is in service. The union believes Traffic Enforcement Agents performing comparable high stress, frontline duties should be afforded the same protections.“Our members are out there every day managing traffic, protecting pedestrians, and supporting public safety across New York City,” said President Sadik. “They are being assaulted and injured while doing their jobs. Granting peace officer status would provide meaningful protections, improve safety, and recognize the real risks they face.”
The NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent Union, CWA Local 1182, believes these changes will lead to a reduction in assaults against Traffic Enforcement Agents and contribute to safer streets for the public and for those who serve.
About CWA Local 1182
The NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent Union, CWA Local 1182, represents NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents committed to keeping New York City streets safe and moving efficiently.
