Mayor Adams announces restoration of funding for April 2024 NYPD recruit class amid fiscal challenges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed today that the city will reinstate funding for the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to facilitate the addition of a new police academy class comprising 600 recruits set to graduate in October 2024.

This move is part of the administration’s strategic budget management to address a $7 billion gap in Fiscal Year 2025, stemming from the expiration of federal COVID-19 stimulus funds and unresolved labor contract expenses. The announcement also encompasses the restoration of funding for a fifth firefighter at 20 Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) engine companies.

The funding reinstatements are a testament to the success of Mayor Adams’ administration in reducing overall crime, with murders down by 12 percent and shootings by 25 percent in 2023. These measures align with the administration’s commitment to public safety, emphasized by the addition of the April NYPD recruit class and the reinforcement of FDNY ranks. Mayor Adams stressed the importance of responsible financial decisions in the face of ongoing fiscal challenges, calling for continued support from federal and state partners to address the evolving asylum seeker crisis.

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III commended the administration’s dedication to public safety through sound fiscal management, acknowledging the necessity of substantial financial aid from state and federal partners to manage the humanitarian crisis effectively. NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban expressed gratitude for the reinstated recruit class, citing it as a significant investment in public safety, while FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh highlighted the importance of additional resources in tackling emerging challenges.

Mayor Adams, since August 2023, has addressed the escalating costs of the asylum seeker crisis, projecting over $12 billion between FY23 and FY25. The city has implemented a 5 percent Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) on city-funded spending, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Through effective measures to reduce per-diem costs and assisting migrants on the path to self-sufficiency, the city anticipates achieving a 20 percent reduction in city-funded spending on the migrant crisis by the end of FY24, details of which will be outlined in the FY25 Preliminary Budget.

The administration’s policies have resulted in nearly 60 percent of asylum seekers leaving the city’s care, with over 25,000 applications submitted for work authorization, temporary protected status, and asylum. Mayor Adams affirmed the ongoing commitment to making judicious fiscal decisions while prioritizing the safety and well-being of New Yorkers.