As the cost of living under Bidenflation continues to impact the American people, many find themselves looking for ways to make ends meet. For NYPD Subway cops, the answer seems apparent- work more OT.
From 2022 to 2023, the city records show an increase in overtime worked specifically by officers assigned to the subway precincts rose from $4 million to $155 million, according to a report from the Gothamist.
“The new spending was part of a push by Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul to reduce crime and crack down on New Yorkers sleeping in the transit system – in part by flooding the subways with uniformed NYPD officers working overtime shifts. The influx of officers corresponded to a 2% drop in what police call “major” crimes in the subway, including robbery, rape and murder. But the most marked effect of adding officers was a skyrocketing number of tickets and arrests for fare evasion. Police officials said they count that as a success.”
Jumping like this also wasn’t a complete shocker. In October 2022, Fox 5 New York reported on subway cops being ordered to work longer shifts. Along with that increased presence came a 32% rise in violent attacks against officers. NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper told the Gothamist that the total number of cops on the subway beat increased by more than 1,000 in 2023. “That’s on top of the 2,500 transit officers already working in the system in the NYPD’s $250 million transit bureau,” he added.
While most New Yorkers and tourists are happy to see more cops on the subway, the added expense for many isn’t so welcome.
