NYPD hits longest response times in decades as officer numbers drop

By Joanna Putman
Police1

NEW YORK — The average response time for NYPD officers to arrive at the scene of a reported crime has reached its highest level in decades, according to the annual Mayor’s Management Report.

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The report revealed that in fiscal year 2024, it took officers an average of 15 minutes and 23 seconds to respond to 911 calls regarding crimes in progress, nearly a minute longer than the previous year and almost five minutes longer than four years ago, the New York Post reported.

While the response time for “critical” crimes, such as shootings, robberies and burglaries, was slightly better, officers still took an average of 9 minutes and 24 seconds to respond. The union said these delays are the longest since at least the 1990s, as the NYPD is staffed with the lowest number of officers since 1990, according to the report.

Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker addressed the rising response times at a press briefing but did not provide specific reasons for the delays.

“They’re going to drive that number down,” Parker said, emphasizing that the NYPD is focusing on using “creative, imaginative, evidence-based strategies” to improve response times.

Increased traffic congestion and a rise in emergency calls have also contributed to the slower response times, according to the report.

The rising delays come as major felony crimes have surged by over 30% since pre-COVID levels, according to council member Lincoln Restler, who noted that the turnover within the NYPD has weakened public safety. Additionally, NYPD overtime costs soared to a record-breaking $1 billion in fiscal year 2024, according to the report.