Brad Lander Applauds NYPD Commissioner Tisch’s Calls to Revamp Public Safety and Address NYPD Staffing Crisis
NEW YORK, NY — A day after releasing a comprehensive blueprint for public safety that includes addressing the NYPD staffing crisis, Brad Lander praised NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s commitment to address the NYPD staffing crisis in remarks to The Association for a Better New York this morning.
“The NYPD is facing a major staffing crisis, with an officer count below budget and thousands more officers eligible for retirement next year, which leaves New York even more vulnerable to public safety challenges,” said Brad Lander. “My proposal will make our City safer by bringing NYPD staffing up to its fully budgeted 35,000 officers through innovative recruitment and retention strategies, and improve the job experience for those on the force — while keeping over-time under control. I commend Commissioner Tisch’s move to reduce college credit requirements to recruit more officers — just one reason why I'll seek to keep her as NYPD commissioner.”
As Mayor, Lander will:
Expand the Police Cadet Corps to boost and diversify NYPD recruitment by opening the program to high-school graduates without any college credits, who would start their jobs as NYPD cadets while enrolling at CUNY or other partner college, and be offered a $5,000 annual forgivable loan for a four-year college degree.
Retain experienced officers by supporting State Pension Bill S4262, which will help retain experienced detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants and ultimately help stabilize the workforce given retirements are up 305% as of January 2025.
Diversify recruitment by finding opportunities for eliminating selection criteria that unnecessarily excludes non-traditional applicants and bring in a new generation of public safety professionals that better reflects New York City which has been proven to help reset trust between police and communities and lower rates of excessive force.
Enable NYPD officers to become NYC homeowners through the Homes for City Workers program, which will double the purchasing power of officers who buy homes in the five boroughs.
Deepen partnerships with CUNY and other universities to recruit graduates interested in law enforcement, offer internship programs, scholarships, and guaranteed employment for top candidates.
Get overtime under control, which has blown past $1 billion annually, by incorporating fatigue policies into NYPD overtime procedures and track off-duty employment hours, recognizing the risks excessive hours pose to officers, public safety, and City liability.
Read more about Lander’s public safety blueprint here.
###