By Annalise Knudson
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
NEW YORK — New York City Police Department officers can now stay on the job until 65 years old, thanks to a new bill signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul this week.
The new legislation impacts NYPD officers who receive a pension under both tiers — Tier 2 and Tier 3.
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Tier 2 officers were appointed between July 1, 1973, and June 30, 2009, while Tier 3 officers were appointed on or after July 1, 2009.
It raises the mandatory retirement age by two years — from 63 to 65 years old for eligible officers.
The legislation was first introduced in May 2025. According to the bill, raising the retirement age will allow agencies to retain experienced officers for longer, which can improve public safety by maintaining a high level of expertise on the force. It also allows senior officers to provide stability and leadership roles within the NYPD.
The bill stated that raising the mandatory retirement age would help to address staffing shortages by keeping skilled officers on the job longer, and potentially reducing the need for extensive, expensive training for new recruits.
It takes effect immediately.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the legislation will “improve retention and ensure our officers get what they deserve for their years of sacrifice and hard work.”
NYPD Detectives Endowment Association President Scott Munro said this reform allows detectives to decide when the time is right for them to retire in order to secure their pensions.
“That means more control over their future and more time with their families now,” Munro stated. “It will also help the NYPD retain experienced, highly skilled detectives who are invaluable to keeping this city safe.”
What is the ideal retirement age for police officers?
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