讀後心得

As of March 31, the New York City Police Department has retired a total of 875 officers, an increase of approximately 129% compared to 382 officers during the same period last year. In addition, the number of individuals voluntarily resigning has also slightly risen to 178. Despite the NYPD actively recruiting, an average of 200 to 300 officers leave each month, leading to a continued shortage of personnel. There are currently about 34,000 active officers, down from 37,000 in 2018. It is expected that over 5,000 officers will become eligible for retirement this year. The police union has pointed out that recently, many officers have even transitioned to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority due to its better benefits. The police commissioner has announced relaxed recruitment standards in hopes of attracting more new officers. The union is also pushing for pension reform to improve retention rates.

As of March 31 of this year, the number of retirements from the New York City Police Department has reached 875, an approximately 129% increase compared to 382 at the same time in 2024. According to reports, the NYPD is currently facing severe challenges in replenishing its force. Meanwhile, the number of officers voluntarily resigning has slightly increased from 168 to 178, a rise of about 7%. Although the police department continues to recruit, an average of 200 to 300 officers leave each month, making it difficult for recruitment efforts to keep pace with the attrition, leading to a potentially worsening manpower shortage.

The current number of active NYPD officers is 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 staggering increase of 91% compared to last year. Law enforcement officials anticipate that more than 5,000 officers will be eligible for retirement later this year. According to retirement fund data, the NYPD union also indicates that the numbers of both retirements and resignations have risen. The union revealed that on one day last month, 24 officers resigned to work for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) because the MTA offers more attractive salaries and benefits.

The union president stated that NYPD officers are generally aware that by changing their job posts, they can enjoy better treatment and quality of life. Additionally, the MTA has disclosed that since the beginning of this year, 30 officers have prepared to join its approximately 1,300-member team. The NYPD also acknowledged in a statement that it is currently facing a severe manpower crisis and views recruitment as its top priority.

To attract more applicants, the police commissioner recently announced relaxed recruitment standards, including lowering the college credit requirements and reinstating the timed running portion of the physical fitness test to enhance training standards. Although overall crime rates in New York City have decreased by over 11% since Commissioner Keechant Sewell took office, many law enforcement officials and experts point out that the job stress and disruptions to life faced by officers are leading more and more to choose to transition to other law enforcement agencies, such as those in Suffolk County and Nassau County.

Furthermore, the NYPD union is currently advocating for pension reform in the state legislature. Under existing regulations, officers hired after 2009 must serve at least 22 years to qualify for full pensions, while other police departments in New York State only require 20 years. The union believes that if the service requirement could be changed to 20 years, it would help improve retention rates.