New York City Mayor Eric Adams has set the NYPD on a course to expand its ranks to 35,000 uniformed officers by fall of 2026. In a move to strengthen the force, Adams' office announced that over 670 recruits were sworn in, joining the 2,200 probationary officers from past months. According to a statement obtained by the Mayor's Office, this increase is bolstered by both policy changes and funding initiatives, including a generous allocation of $3.4 billion in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Mayor Adams has made public safety a priority since taking office, and the results, seem to be positive. The Mayor's office reports a notable decline in crime rates, with overall index crime down 10.9 percent in the early months of 2025. Yet, it is the NYPD's reform in recruitment standards, which has attracted attention, particularly, the reduction of college credit requirements from 60 to 24 to enter the Police Academy. "When we came into office over three years ago, we had a clear mission and a clear mandate: Drive down crime and make sure every New Yorker feels safe," Mayor Adams said. "Our success depends on whether we have enough officers to do this critical work, which is why, in February, we announced expanded eligibility requirements to become an officer." This change has led to a spike in applications, with nearly a 45 percent increase.
The revamped requirements aim to lower entry barriers to policing careers while addressing the physical demands of the role by reintroducing a timed 1.5-mile run. Recognizing the rigor of Police Academy training, the National College Credit Recommendation Service now equates its completion to 45 college credits. Additionally, since the policy changes were implemented, thousands of candidates from civil service pools have expressed renewed interest in joining the force.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch echoed Mayor Adams' remarks about the significance of the expanded force. "We’re not just growing the NYPD — we’re making sure the department has the people it needs to meet this moment," Commissioner Tisch told the Mayor's Office. "By modernizing our standards and opening more doors, we’re giving thousands of New Yorkers a real opportunity to serve." The NYPD's hiring wave coincides with Mayor Adams’ "Budget Week," where his administration is announcing investments aimed at making New York City a safer and more family-friendly urban environment.
Interest in joining the NYPD is anticipated to grow as the filing period for the next police exam remains open through May 20, with the exam set to begin on June 17. The Adams administration continues to emphasize its focus on public safety through initiatives such as a $500 million anti-gun violence plan and expanded mental health services for city residents. Additional details about the police exam and NYPD recruitment are available on the department’s official recruitment website.
