Seeking More Cash To Hire More Cops
The City Council’s Public Safety Committee, chaired by Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. held its annual preliminary budget hearing last Tuesday, Mar. 12, at which Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly testified regarding the success the NYPD has had over the past year, from bringing murders to the lowest recorded number in history to the department’s handling of Hurricane Sandy.
The commissioner also credited Operation Crew Cut-an initiative launched in October to combat the proliferation of violence connected to “crews,” which are gangs made up of young teens-as being a primary reason for the decrease in crime.
Vallone, who has called for the hiring of more police officers, noted that the NYPD is expected to have 459 less police officers next year than fiscal year 2013, and asked Commissioner Kelly why additional officers would not be hired to replace those lost to attrition.
The commissioner responded by saying the NYPD is working with the Office of Management and Budget to switch the hiring time of new officers from January 2015 to July 2013.
“The hiring of more police officers needs to be a priority for the NYPD,” said Vallone, who will write a letter to OMB supporting the commissioner’s request. “We cannot allow our police force to get any smaller than it already is. I am constantly amazed the department is able to have the success it has had given its resources.”
Vallone also expressed his support for the department’s recent decision to increase the size of its Accident Investigation Squad by 10 officers and investigate all accidents that resulted in serious injury or occurred under unique circumstances, rather than only when a victim is dead or likely to die.
Kelly also testified regarding the installation of Argus cameras. The City Council has allocated $9.4 million for 650 cameras to be located throughout the city, but the NYPD is still waiting for approval from OMB. The process will likely take an additional three years.
The commissioner discussed the construction of the new World Trade Center security site and other issues, as well.
Following Kelly in testifying were the five district attorneys of New York City. Vallone questioned the prosecutors regarding the state’s confiscation of 50 percent of the money recovered by their offices, despite providing virtually no funding. The recent ING settlement with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office alone resulted in over $120 million lost to the city.
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan, Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Bruno and representatives from the Civilian Complaint Review Board testified as well.
