The punchline is this: about 35,000 uniformed cops are on the job today. That’s the operational number. The number that actually shows up to roll calls.
Officier De Police De New York
If you ever see a chart, it’s probably bouncing between 34,000 and 36,000. It’s like a yo-yo made of blue fabric and budget negotiations.
And don’t get me started on the auxiliary cops. Those are volunteers in shiny jackets. They don’t count, but they look official. Nice people, though.
Why Does This Even Matter?
You’re probably asking because you saw a news story. “NYPD is understaffed!” or “Too many cops!” Both are true depending on who you ask. It’s a political football.
If you’re a New Yorker, you care because you want a cop when your car gets broken into. Or you don’t want a cop when you’re just trying to enjoy the park. Pick your poison.
For the record, the NYPD has enough cops to fill Yankee Stadium (almost). But if you’re trying to find one to report a stolen bike? Good luck. They’re probably six blocks away, dealing with a louder problem.
