NYPD Lowers College Credit Requirement to Tackle Recruitment Challenges

Commissioner Jessica Tisch announces changes to hiring and training standards to address staffing shortages in the nation's largest police force.

The NYPD has reduced its college credit requirement for recruits from 60 to 24 credits, aiming to expand the applicant pool after disqualifying 29% of candidates in 2023.
The department will now award 45 college credits for completing the six-month police academy, up from the previous 36 credits, as determined by the National College Credit Recommendations Service.
A 1.5-mile timed run, requiring completion in under 14 minutes and 21 seconds, has been reinstated as a graduation requirement for academy recruits.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the urgent need for more officers, citing a 55% decline in applicants since 2017 and a current force size of approximately 34,000, down from 40,200 in 2000.
Critics, including the Police Benevolent Association, argue that addressing pay and benefits is essential for long-term recruitment and retention solutions.