NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — More than half of NYPD members regret joining the force, according to an internal survey that was obtained by the New York Post.
Fifty-six percent of cops responded that they wouldn’t take the job if they could do it over again, the Post reported. Another 46% reportedly feel disrespected by the public while another 44% feel distrusted.
The NYPD reportedly questioned 5,935 of the roughly 36,000 uniformed officers during the survey, which took place in March.
The officers also responded with bleak opinions on the direction of city, in general, with 79% believing the city won’t be “safer” in two years, according to the Post.
The survey also shows an apparent rift between officers and department management; 78% said they don’t feel supported by the NYPD and 73% said good cops failed to receive appropriate recognition.
The poll follows the nationwide unrest over the police killing of George Floyd, with anonymous sources telling the Post criminal justice reforms have hurt morale.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea reportedly wrote in a letter to the officers that the poll was to help “determine how we can improve as a department — both internally and in regard to policing New York City,” according to the Post.
NYPD Sergeant Jessica McRorie, a spokeswoman for the department, said the survey is a "critical" tool for improving the force and morale.
"We all know the tremendous and unprecedented challenges New Yorkers faced in 2020. But through it all, the men and women of the NYPD have continued to work toward a safer New York City," McRorie said in a statement. "The NYPD values feedback as a critical way to improve the department internally, and in regard to policing New York City."
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