New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Tuesday announced the swearing-in of nearly 1,100 new police recruits, the largest class of officers hired since 2016.
The 1,093-person group surpasses the Adams administration’s previous record, set earlier this year, and pushes the NYPD’s total new hires in 2025 to 2,911, the most since 2006.
A Diverse New Generation of Officers
The recruits, who began training at the Police Academy this week, reflect New York’s diversity. They come from 51 countries, speak 34 languages, and include 80 with military service.
“The single most strategic thing the NYPD can do right now is hire more qualified officers,” Tisch said. “That’s why we were laser-focused on addressing our recruitment efforts and bringing in the next generation of officers. The momentum is changing, and thanks to Mayor Adams’ support, we will continue to attract the highest level of candidates to protect this city.”
Adams said the class represents a stronger, modern NYPD. “Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity,” he noted. “Together, we are ending the culture of ‘anything goes,’ improving quality of life, and keeping New York City the safest big city in America and the best place to raise a family.”
Hiring Surge Follows Policy Changes
The wave of new hires follows recruitment reforms announced earlier this year. The NYPD reduced its college credit requirement for recruits from 60 to 24, reinstated a timed fitness test, and secured a new credit evaluation that awards graduates 45 credits upon completing the academy.
The changes sparked a dramatic increase in applications. Average daily filings rose more than 300 percent, and one recent exam drew more than 5,000 registrants in just two weeks.
Public Safety Gains Under Adams
City officials say the staffing boost builds on public safety progress already made. From January through July, shootings hit historic lows, and overall index crime fell 5 percent compared to the previous year. Officials also cited the removal of more than 23,200 illegal guns since Adams took office.
The city’s fiscal 2026 budget allocates $3.4 billion for a police force of about 34,000, with four academy classes funded this year and support for 35,000 officers in 2027.
With this new class, nearly 10,000 officers have joined the NYPD during Adams’ tenure.
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