The New York Police Department (NYPD) is facing a significant exodus, with 2,516 officers leaving in 2023, marking the fourth-highest number in the past decade and a 43% increase from 2018. The data also reveals a concerning trend of officers quitting before reaching the 20 years required for full pensions, rising from 509 in 2020 to 1,040 in 2023, a 104% increase. This departure, coupled with a lack of replacements, is straining the remaining officers who are forced to work excessive overtime.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry attributes the exodus to the workload, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions beyond squeezing officers for more hours. The union has proposed a flexible schedule with longer hours on fewer days.
The reduction in NYPD staffing is expected to worsen as the city plans to cancel the next five Police Academy classes, part of budget cuts announced by Mayor Adams. This decision will shrink the police force to its smallest size in decades, reaching 29,000 officers by the end of fiscal year 2025, the lowest level since the mid-90s. These cuts come amid city-wide budget constraints, with the mayor attributing them to the multi-billion-dollar migrant crisis.
The ongoing challenges, including anti-cop sentiment, bail reform, and rising crime, contribute to the frustration among the NYPD rank and file. Assaults against NYPD officers have surged by over 25% in 2023, further exacerbating concerns about the declining number of officers. Critics argue that the mayor’s decision to cut hiring amid a dwindling police force could lead to a dramatic worsening of public safety in the city.
Over 2,500 NYPD cops have bolted from the force in 2023 alone, citing grueling work loads and anti-police sentiment in the Big Apple. NYC has also canceled the next 5 Police Academy classes as Mayor Adams slashes city budgets to pay for the illegals his “sanctuary city” is…
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 27, 2023
REPORT: NYPD cops are leaving the force at insane levels as crime in New York City continues to worsen.
Over 2500 cops have left the force this year, 43% higher than the amount who left in 2018 before the pandemic.
Cops ditching the force before they hit their 20 year mark for… pic.twitter.com/DHHlqiz3fI
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 25, 2023
