Mayor Eric Adams has announced an investment to increase the New York City Police Department’s uniformed headcount by 5,000 officers, bringing the force to 40,000 by fiscal year 2029 — its highest level in two decades. The proposal, included in the upcoming November financial plan update, commits $17.8 million in the next fiscal year and scales up to $315.8 million by 2029.
The hiring would begin in July 2026 with 300 recruits, followed by 2,500 in 2027, and reach the full 5,000 by 2028. Mayor Adams highlighted the city’s progress in reducing shootings and major crimes, pointing to historically low levels in both categories. He emphasized that additional officers would help maintain those gains and support safer communities across the five boroughs.
Mayor Adams emphasized that public safety remains central to the city’s progress. “Our administration has always been guided by the belief that public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity,” he stated, adding that the city’s investment reflects “our strong fiscal management to put investments where our values are.” He also expressed pride in the NYPD’s efforts, saying he was “grateful to the brave men and women” who help keep New Yorkers safe every day.
Independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo praised Mayor Adams’ decision and framed it as essential to staffing stability within the NYPD. “Public safety is job 1,” Cuomo remarked, adding, “Mayor Adams is exactly right — 5,000 additional officers will bring us back to full force, and as Mayor, I will see to it that this plan becomes a reality.”
Cuomo has frequently criticized Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani for supporting the “defund the police” movement. He argued that Mamdani’s stance threatens the progress Mayor Adams is seeking to build upon.
While Mayor Adams has authorized the funding, the final decision on implementing the expansion will fall to the next administration. This uncertainty highlights how policing remains a central and contentious issue in the closing days of the election.
