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As of March 31 of this year, the number of retirees from the New York City Police Department reached 875, an increase of approximately 129% compared to 382 during the same period in 2024. Additionally, the number of officers voluntarily resigning slightly increased to 178. Despite the NYPD actively recruiting, the replenishment of new officers is facing challenges, with 200 to 300 officers leaving each month, leading to strained human resources. Currently, the number of officers on duty is about 34,000, significantly lower than the 37,000 in 2018. This year, the total number of retirements and resignations has reached 1,053, a dramatic increase of 91% compared to last year. With the number of eligible retirees expected to exceed 5,000, the police union has also pointed out the severe personnel loss situation. To attract more applicants, the police department's chief announced the relaxation of recruitment criteria. The union is also pushing for pension reform, advocating for the reduction of the full pension service requirement from 22 years to 20 years to improve retention rates.

As of March 31 of this year, the New York City Police Department had 875 officers choosing to retire, an increase of about 129% compared to 382 at the same time in 2024. According to reports, this shows that the department is facing significant challenges in staffing. Additionally, the number of officers voluntarily resigning also slightly increased from 168 to 178, an increase of about 7%. Despite the department's active recruitment of new personnel, approximately 200 to 300 officers leave each month, making it difficult for recruitment efforts to keep pace with attrition, and the shortage of human resources in the police department is likely to continue to worsen.

The total number of active officers is currently about 34,000, down from 37,000 in 2018. So far this year, the total number of retirements and resignations has reached 1,053, a sharp increase of 91% compared to the same period last year. Law enforcement officials have pointed out that more than 5,000 officers are expected to qualify for retirement later this year. Data from the retirement fund of the New York City police union indicates that the numbers for retirements and resignations are also on the rise.

The union further revealed that on one day last month, 24 officers resigned to join the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as the agency offers relatively generous salaries and benefits, making it a more desirable job option for many officers. The union president mentioned that New York City officers know that by simply changing their role, they can enjoy better treatment and quality of life. Law enforcement units across the state have also realized that they can find experienced and well-trained talent by recruiting from the police department.

Since the beginning of this year, 30 officers have prepared to join the approximately 1,300-member team at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The police department also confirmed in a statement that it is currently facing a manpower crisis and emphasized that recruiting and recruitment efforts remain a top priority. To attract more applicants, the police commissioner recently announced that recruitment standards will be relaxed, including lowering the requirement for college credits and reinstating timed running events in physical fitness tests to enhance training standards.

Although the overall crime rate in New York City has decreased by more than 11% since she took office, many law enforcement officials and experts have pointed out that the job stress and life disruptions faced by city officers are leading more and more people to choose to move to other law enforcement agencies. For example, the Suffolk County Police Department has absorbed 137 officers from the New York City Police Department over the past two years, while the Nassau County Police Department has recruited 74. Additionally, the city police union is currently advocating for pension reform in the state legislature to improve retention rates. Under current regulations, officers who joined after 2009 must serve at least 22 years to receive full retirement benefits, while other police departments in New York State only require 20 years. The union believes that adjusting this to 20 years would help improve retention rates.