In a flip from his push for deep cuts to the NYPD’s funds, Brad Lander mentioned Tuesday that — as mayor — he would take steps to rent extra cops whereas acknowledging progressive Democrats like himself had been “slow to respond” to some public security issues that emerged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Instead of having 35,000 officers out on the street, we’ve got fewer than 33,500 and the problem is about to get much worse,” Lander mentioned, noting retirement charges proceed to climb as 4,000 cops develop into eligible for retirement this 12 months.
Lander’s name for extra cops contrasts sharply with how as a Metropolis Council member in 2020 he pushed for slashing not less than $1 billion from the NYPD’s funds.
Brad Lander makes a public security announcement exterior NYPD headquarters on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Barry Williams/ New York Every day Information)
On the time, Lander and plenty of different progressives had been calling for lowering NYPD spending in favor of reallocating extra sources for social providers — coverage platforms that got here out of protest actions that erupted in response to the stunning police homicide of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
He additionally acknowledged progressive Democrats didn’t do a ok job in addressing a number of the public questions of safety that grew to become prevalent throughout the pandemic, together with spikes in shootings.
“Progressives, myself included, were slow to respond to the elevation of crime and disorder that came through and out of the pandemic and that has given us many of the challenges that we’re dealing with today,” he mentioned.
Lander wouldn’t give a particular price ticket when requested whether or not he thinks there are nonetheless components of the NYPD that want belt-tightening. However he did observe police additional time spending — which has surged in the Adams administration — ought to lower if the division returns to full staffing ranges.
Mayor Adams at Metropolis Corridor on Feb. 24, 2025. (Barry Williams/ New York Every day Information)
Lander’s public security proposal comes after different progressive candidates in June’s Democratic mayoral main have additionally referred to as for extra cops. That features Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, who unveiled a plan final month for hiring 3,000 new officers, as polling exhibits public security stays some of the urgent points for New York Metropolis voters, alongside affordability.
Beneath Adams, crime total has dropped this 12 months as in comparison with when he first took workplace in January 2022. However crime throughout all seven main classes stays increased than it was earlier than the pandemic and when in comparison with all of former Mayor Invoice de Blasio’s eight years in workplace, NYPD knowledge present.
“Eric Adams came into office promising to keep New Yorkers safe, but he has failed,” Lander mentioned Tuesday.
Vito Pitta, Adams’ marketing campaign lawyer, didn’t return a request for remark.
The proposals Lander floated for reinforcing NYPD retention and recruitment centered totally on monetary and academic incentives for officers.
First, he mentioned he’d as mayor permit highschool graduates to enter the NYPD’s cadet program contingent on them enrolling at a CUNY college or different companion faculty and in alternate be supplied a $5,000 annual grant for a four-year diploma. He additionally mentioned he’ll again a invoice pending within the state Legislature that will jack up salaries for cops who serve greater than 25 years and push town’s pension funds to undertake his proposal to subsidize homeownership for municipal employees, together with officers, as one other carrot to maintain them on the power longer.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch with Mayor Adams on Feb. 18, 2025. (Shawn Inglima / New York Every day Information)
Lander praised her for doing a very good job, saying that a few of Adams’ earlier prime cops and senior commanders “badly damaged” belief within the division by changing into ensnared in federal corruption investigations whereas the mayor himself was underneath indictment on corruption fees.
“I did let her know today that I hope to keep her as commissioner,” Lander mentioned of Tisch. “I’m not going to reveal a private conversation, but I look forward to building a relationship.”
Initially Revealed: February 25, 2025 at 3:18 PM EST
