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As of March 31, the number of retirements from the New York City Police Department reached 875, an increase of about 129% compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, the number of officers who voluntarily resigned rose from 168 to 178, an increase of about 7%. Although the NYPD is making efforts to recruit new officers, 200 to 300 officers leave each month, leading to a shortage of personnel, with the current number of officers at approximately 34,000, down from 37,000 in 2018. The total number of retirements and resignations this year has reached 1,053, a 91% increase from last year. The police union pointed out that many officers are choosing to move to other law enforcement agencies that offer better benefits, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. To address the manpower crisis, the police chief has relaxed recruitment standards and restarted certain physical fitness tests. However, despite a decline in crime rates, the work pressure faced by officers continues to result in turnover. The union is also advocating for pension reforms to improve retention rates.

As of March 31 of this year, the number of police retirements in New York City has reached 875, an increase of approximately 129% compared to 382 during the same period in 2024. This data indicates that the NYPD faces significant challenges in replenishing its workforce. Additionally, the number of officers voluntarily resigning has slightly increased from 168 to 178, with a rise of about 7%. Despite the department's efforts to recruit new officers, an average of 200 to 300 officers are leaving each month, resulting in a loss of human resources at a pace far exceeding recruitment progress, and the shortage within the police department is expected to continue deteriorating. Currently, the number of active NYPD officers is approximately 34,000, down from 37,000 in 2018, with total retirements and resignations for the year reaching 1,053, a dramatic increase of 91% compared to the previous year. Some law enforcement personnel indicate that more than 5,000 officers are expected to be eligible for retirement later this year.

According to data from the retirement fund, the New York City police union has also observed an increase in both retirement and resignation numbers. The union further revealed that on one particular day last month, 24 officers resigned to join the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) because it offers better pay and benefits, making it a more desirable work environment. The union president stated, "New York City officers know that switching jobs can lead to better treatment and quality of life." The MTA also confirmed that since the beginning of this year, 30 officers are preparing to join its ranks of about 1,300. 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 commissioner recently announced the relaxation of recruitment standards, including lowering college credit requirements and reinstating time-limited running tests to enhance training requirements. Although the overall crime rate in New York City has decreased by more than 11% since the commissioner took office, many law enforcement personnel and experts point out that the stress officers face at work, as well as personal life disruptions, have led many to choose to transfer to other law enforcement agencies. Over the past two years, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has absorbed 137 officers from New York City, while the Nassau County Police Department has recruited 74.

Furthermore, the police union is currently pushing for pension reform in the state legislature. According to current regulations, officers hired after 2009 must serve at least 22 years to qualify for full retirement benefits, whereas other police departments in New York State only require 20 years. The union believes that if the retirement age could be amended to 20 years, it would help improve officer retention rates.