New York City's new budget has been finalized, and it appears the city will not be increasing the police department headcount as previously proposed.
According to reports, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced during a press conference on Tuesday that he and Police Commissioner Tisch were able to identify ways to maintain the NYPD headcount at 35,000 while still meeting crime-fighting needs and implementing new programs.
The NYPD released a statement on Wednesday, stating that the department is able to effectively police the city with its current budgeted headcount, and that this headcount and hiring plan will maintain a balance over the next fiscal year.
The New York City Democratic Socialists of America had spoken out against the prospect of an increase earlier this month, calling for the mayor to reverse the proposal and invest money in community safety programs instead.
However, City Council member Tiffany Cabán praised the news about the budget, stating that it is an important check on broken windows policing and will allow the city to build a public safety infrastructure rooted in care.
Cabán added that this budget will allow the city to focus on proven policies such as housing, mental health care, substance use treatment, and economic stability, which are essential to keeping communities healthy and safe.
