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In 2007 New York City’s homicide rate was at a historic low, major felonies decreased and in the face of terrorism, the NYPD stepped up their game to keep the city safe. So why are New York’s Bravest salaries among the lowest in the country?
That’s what Council Member Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. wanted to know and why he has cosponsored a resolution denouncing the current salaries for police officers in New York City, who get $25,100 a year to start.
Due to the high risk and low pay of the job, a retention crisis has resulted. The resignation of 3,215 police officers over the past four years has taken place. And a resignation rate of 14.6 percent of police academy recruits was reported in January 2007 compared to 5.7 percent in January 2005.
These signs convey a serious threat to security.
The NYPD has further fallen short of its staffing target by an excess of 2,000 candidates for the July 2007 recruiting class, according to reports and the number of authorized uniformed personnel in the NYPD has been reduced by over twelve percent since 2000.
Commissioner Raymond Kelly recently testified before the New York City Council’s Committees on Finance and Public Safety to voice his concern over the NYPD’s inability to match the top pay of other area departments. Councilman Addabbo currently wants to get legislation in effect to end these discrepancies.
“The Administration and the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association should bargain in good faith to swiftly reach agreement on a salary schedule which restores New York City to competitive parity with surrounding areas for recruitment and retention of police officers.” Councilman Addabbo stated.
For Addabbo the current salary does not reflect the dedication and protection that many NYPD officials who service the city deserve. He expressed that their pay should be changed based on their responsibilities. “New York City’s Finest merit starting salaries that accurately reflect their commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to the people and City of New York and that will help to end the current recruitment and retention crisis,” said Addabbo.
6 years ago
