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As of March 31, the number of retirees from the New York City Police Department reached 875, an increase of about 129% compared to 382 at the same time in 2024. Additionally, the number of voluntary resignations rose from 168 to 178, a rise of about 7%. Despite the police department's active recruitment efforts, an average of 200 to 300 officers leave each month, exacerbating the manpower shortage issue. Currently, there are approximately 34,000 active police officers, down from 37,000 in 2018. According to statistics, the total number of retirements and resignations this year has reached 1,053, a staggering increase of 91% compared to the same period last year. The union points out that many officers are leaving for better-paying jobs at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the police commissioner has announced a relaxation of recruitment standards to attract new officers. Additionally, the union is pushing for pension reform in hopes of reducing the years of service required to improve retention rates.

As of March 31 of this year, the New York City Police Department has had a total of 875 officers retire, compared to 382 during the same period in 2024, an increase of approximately 129%. Reports indicate that the NYPD is facing significant challenges in replenishing its workforce. Meanwhile, the number of officers resigning voluntarily has slightly increased from 168 to 178, an increase of about 7%. Despite the department's active recruitment of new officers, an average of 200 to 300 officers leave each month, causing the recruitment pace to fall behind the attrition rate, which may exacerbate the staffing shortages.

Currently, the number of active officers in the department is around 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 91% increase compared to the same period last year. Law enforcement officials anticipate that over 5,000 officers will be eligible for retirement later this year. According to data from the retirement fund, the police union has reached similar conclusions, indicating that both retirements and resignations are on the rise.

The union revealed that on just one day last month, 24 officers resigned to join the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as the MTA offers more attractive salaries and benefits, which many officers favor. The union president stated, "Officers in New York City know that with just a change of shoulder insignia, they can receive better treatment and quality of life, and law enforcement agencies across the state also understand that recruiting from the NYPD brings in well-trained, experienced talent."

The MTA indicates that since the beginning of this year, 30 officers have prepared to join its approximately 1,300-member force. The NYPD acknowledged in a statement that it is currently facing a severe manpower crisis, stating, "Recruitment and hiring remain our top priority." To attract more applicants, the police chief recently announced a relaxation of recruitment criteria, including lowering college credit requirements and reinstating a timed running component in the physical fitness test to raise training standards.

Despite the fact that overall crime in New York City has decreased by more than 11% since the chief took office, many law enforcement personnel and experts point out that the work-related stress and personal life disruptions faced by officers have led to an increasing number of them transferring to other law enforcement agencies; for example, the Suffolk County Police Department has absorbed 137 NYPD officers over the past two years, while the Nassau County Police Department has recruited 74.

Additionally, the police union is currently pushing for pension reform in the state legislature. Under current regulations, officers hired after 2009 must serve at least 22 years to receive full retirement benefits, whereas other police departments in New York State only require 20 years. The union believes that reducing the requirement to 20 years would help improve retention rates.