NYPD A Little Short
Yesterday, [the NYPD swore in 1,103 recruits, which is about 1,000 short of the departments goal]. Last year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg expanded the police force, authorizing the department to take on 800 more officers. But its now three academy classes later and the departments recruitment rate doesnt even make up for retirement. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly blames the starting salary, which was cut by over $1,000 in the NYPD contract of 2005. But we can think of a few other reasons (see picture). [New recruits earn approximately $25,100 annually](http://www.nypost.com/seven/01112007/news/regionalnews/police_not_at_full_force_regionalnews_stephanie_gaskell.htm). The authorized head count is 37,838 officers and there are currently only 35,643 on duty.
Photo courtesy of [JimmyOK on Flickr]