The New York Police Department is experiencing an unprecedented wave of retirements, with union officials sounding the alarm over the potential election of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor.
This development, highlighted in a report by the New York Post, has raised concerns about the future of policing in the city.
According to the Daily Caller, the number of officers filing for retirement has surged to 1,555 this year, marking a 48% increase from last year's 1,049 and a staggering 65% rise compared to a decade ago when 941 officers retired. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) provided these figures, indicating a significant and growing exodus from the force.
Union leaders have expressed that such a high rate of retirements within the first half of the year is unprecedented in the NYPD's history. They attribute this trend largely to fears surrounding Mamdani's political stance, which they believe could exacerbate the challenges faced by law enforcement in New York City. Mamdani has been vocal on X, labeling the NYPD as "wicked and corrupt" and advocating for its dismantlement.
Patrick Hendry, President of the PBA, has voiced concerns about the trajectory of the mayoral race, emphasizing that New York City cannot afford a leader who neglects the staffing crisis or seeks to undermine the NYPD's role. Although the PBA has yet to endorse a candidate, apprehensions about Mamdani's anti-police rhetoric are growing within the ranks.
A veteran Queens officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed to the Post his decision to retire after over two decades of service, citing Mamdani's primary victory and his antagonistic stance toward law enforcement as decisive factors. "Him winning the primary definitely made me 100% sure that this is the right decision," the officer stated.
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