We all remember those movies and television shows where the glamorous police officer is walking down a city street with a cool confidence. This image of law enforcement used to be so idealized in Hollywood that children would dream of being a part of it when they grew up. Unfortunately, this is far from reality now; police officers are unfortunately subject to heavy criticisms, through no fault of their own. While the job still requires integrity, bravery, and dedication, it sure isn’t what it once was glamorized as.
The New York City police department is facing a recruitment and retention crisis, with more staff members leaving last year than any time in the past 20 years. Many are pointing to the increasing amount of public scrutiny for officers as part of this problem. The top police union leader has accused NYPD officials of refusing to acknowledge this issue, demonstrating a reluctance to accept that their department isn’t quite what it used to be. Indications that no one wants to work for them could mean the NYPD needs an update of how they operate, or else their difficulties may not be going away anytime soon.
Daily wire reports, the top police union leader in New York City accused NYPD officials of refusing to acknowledge the department’s recruitment and retention crisis following the loss of more staff members in the previous two decades.
New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch told Fox News Digital, “The NYPD is playing a dangerous game by refusing to acknowledge and address its recruitment and retention crisis. New Yorkers are demanding more police presence in their neighborhoods and on the subway, but we just don’t have the staffing to provide it consistently.”
It was claimed that Lynch had called out authorities after the association claimed the department lacked 600 recruits when it needed over 1,200 rehires to replenish the current budgeted headcount and 2,500 rehires to reach the staffing levels it had at the end of 2019.
The Tweet read: “Hiring day at @NYPDTraining Academy: We needed +1,200 new recruits to reach the current budgeted headcount, or 2,500 to get back to 2019 staffing levels. We got 543. Underpaying & overworking police officers is hurting public safety. The time to fix it is NOW.”
New York City Councilman Joe Borelli joined Fox to discuss the NYPD’s struggles and why no one is joining the force.
New York City police statistics last year show murder rates and other major crimes increased in November, despite authorities claiming the overall index crime decreased by just over 1%.
The NYPD spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Thursday, “While recent events outside of the department continue to present challenges to recruitment efforts, we continue to focus on the positive results that happen when someone joins this organization. In January 2023, we hired more than 500 individuals who have begun training at the Police Academy in addition to the approximately 2000 individuals we hired in 2022.”
It’s hard to act with courage and dignity in today’s climate of police scrutiny and public discontent, yet it is something officers must strive for. The NYPD is only a microcosm of the problem – major liberal cities are all suffering from enduring problems caused by leadership that has been elected on broken promises and platforms crafted more for votes than for improvement. At some point, both parties’ constituents need to come together for the betterment of their communities. For years now, they’ve been led by democrats and the time has come to give the other party a chance; or else nothing will change.
Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.
