NEW YORK — The NYPD is ramping up recruitment efforts in response to a persistent staffing crisis and growing concerns about crime, CBS New York reported.
This summer, the department welcomed more than 1,000 recruits to its police academy, one of its largest classes in nearly a decade. However, city leaders and law enforcement officials say the hiring surge is still not enough to offset years of attrition.
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“Just in the last four and a half years, we’ve lost over 15,000. That’s a staggering number,” Patrick Hendry, president of the NYC Police Benevolent Association, told CBS.
According to the city’s Independent Budget Office, the NYPD’s current force stands at 34,455 officers, down from 40,285 in 2000. Hendry says the department is losing around 300 officers per month, and more than 2,400 officers have already left in 2025.
The 45th precinct currently has 136 officers, up 17 from last month, but still well below the 164 officers it had in 2020, according to the report. Hendry says even those numbers don’t reflect daily staffing levels, as officers are frequently reassigned to cover transit or other high-crime areas.
“They’re taking officers away from communities that need them too,” Hendry said.
Retention challenges
The NYPD says it hired 2,911 recruits this year, with nearly 1,100 in August alone, the largest class since 2016. But the department is struggling to retain officers amid long hours, stagnant pay and burnout.
“Even when we get the academy classes, we are losing that number before we even get cops coming in from that class,” Hendry said. “They’re staying until they get something better.”
A former NYPD officer who worked in the 45th precinct told CBS he left the department due to forced overtime and grueling shifts.
“The longest I’ve ever done continuously was about 30 hours straight,” he said. “You’re a liability at that time. You’re not even a cop.”
He’s since transferred to a department outside New York City but said he still cares deeply about the city and its residents.
“We work doubles at a time, sometimes triples. You know, you’re pumping caffeine in your system just to kind of keep you going. You get jittery You’re already tired,” he said. “You’re a liability at that time. You’re not even a cop. You’re a liability to the department.”
NYPD response
In a statement, the NYPD reaffirmed continued efforts to boost recruitment.
“The NYPD remains laser focused on continuing our recruitment efforts and bringing in the next generation of officers,” the department said.
Recruiting initiatives include a three-part plan to attract candidates announced by Commissioner Jessica Tisch in February. The departmentdropped educationrequirements, requiring only 24 college credits instead of60. The changes led to a 579% spike in daily applicationsand likely contributed tothe increased academy class size.
