New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a plan to expand the NYPD by 5,000 officers over the next three years, bringing the department to 40,000 by fiscal year 2029. The announcement comes just days before the mayoral election, putting policing at the center of the campaign.
The hiring initiative, part of the November financial plan, commits $17.8 million in the upcoming fiscal year and will scale to $315.8 million by 2029. Recruitment begins in July 2026 with 300 officers, grows to 2,500 in 2027, and reaches 5,000 by 2028. Mayor Adams emphasized that the plan will help maintain historically low crime levels and support safer streets across all boroughs.
“The vast majority of New Yorkers want more police officers on their streets and in the subways,” Mayor Adams said. He emphasized that public safety continues to be central to the city’s recovery from the pandemic. “I am so proud of the work we have done to keep New Yorkers safe, and I am grateful to the brave men and women of the NYPD who help us get there each and every day.”
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent candidate, praised Mayor Adams’ plan, emphasizing that “public safety is job 1” and adding that the additional 5,000 officers would help “bring us back to full force” if he were elected mayor.
While Mayor Adams approved funding, hiring ultimately depends on the next administration, leaving the plan’s implementation uncertain.
