The number of NYPD cops on the job has reached the lowest level in over three decades, with about 200 officers leaving each month. The current count is 33,695, just 154 more than last year, making it the lowest since 1990. Retirements this year have increased by 11%, with 566 police officers leaving through April compared to 508 in the same period last year. A total of 823 cops have resigned this year, with 257 quitting before reaching the required 20 years for their full pensions.
The NYPD’s largest police union, Police Benevolent Association, has raised concerns over the increasing workload and lack of sufficient staffing. The PBA President Patrick Hendry mentioned that officers are overwhelmed with daily protest details and additional patrols in the subways, leading to exhaustion. The union believes that squeezing cops for more overtime hours is not a solution and could lead to more officers resigning. The increasing crime rates during the summertime are a looming concern with the current situation.
The NYPD has responded to 2,400 protests since October 7, dealing with an average of 12 protests daily. Cops are frequently held over their shifts to handle demonstrations. The union has proposed a flexible schedule for officers, with longer hours on fewer days, to address the staffing issues. One anonymous officer mentioned that he retired after 20 years due to long hours, anti-police rhetoric, and bail reform laws that hindered their ability to do their job effectively.
Issues like the lack of respect for police officers and the no-bail laws have contributed to the increasing number of resignations. The retiring officers feel relieved and free of the burden after leaving the force. The disparity in pay and workload compared to officers in other counties also plays a role in the decision to resign, as officers feel they can make more money with less stress outside the NYPD. The cancellation of five police academy classes by the Adams administration to offset the costs related to the migrant crisis has exacerbated the staffing issues within the department.
Mayor Eric Adams has announced the reinstatement of two NYPD academy classes, adding 1,200 officers to the ranks. However, the PBA argues that this increase in recruits will barely keep the headcount flat and may not be sufficient to address the current staffing shortages. The administration initially cut multiple classes to fund the migrant crisis that cost the city nearly $10 billion until next year. Despite the budget cuts, unexpected revenue surpluses have allowed for the rollback of certain cuts, including one of this fiscal year’s police classes and over $500 million in educational cuts for next year.
