The NYPD is making big changes in the wake of George Floyd's death, including the removal of the anti-crime unit.

Police Commissioner Dermot Shea says about 600 officers who were assigned to the unit will now be transitioned into a variety of other assignments, including neighborhood policing and positions in the detective bureau.

He says it's time to switch to 21st century policing that needs to focus more on technology and intelligence data, as well as DNA to work on building prosecutable cases while also building trust between officers and the community.

"They have done an exceptional job, but I think, again, it's time to move forward and change how we police in the city," Shea says. "We can do it with brains, we can do it with guile, and we can move away from brute force."

The decision is effective immediately.

In April, members of the 73rd precinct anti-crime unit were praised for getting more than 30 guns off the streets.

President of the Police Benevolent Association Patrick Lynch does not believe the decision to remove the unit is correct

"Anti-crime's mission was to protect New Yorkers by proactively preventing crime, especially gun violence," Lynch says. "Shooting and murders are both climbing steadily upward, but our city leaders have clearly decided that proactive policing isn't a priority anymore. They chose this strategy. They will have to reckon with the consequences."

Anti-crime units around the city were comprised of plainclothes officers who focused on seizing illegal guns.

Shea says the decision does have its risks, but he believes it's the right decision and considers it closing one of the last chapters of stop and frisk.