The NYPD is losing many sergeants as the city makes it less appealing to take on this leadership role. The main issue is salary—many experienced police officers actually make more money than newly promoted sergeants.
Why Are Sergeants Leaving?
Sergeants start at $98,000 per year, with a maximum salary of $118,000 after five years. However, regular officers can earn up to $115,000, which means some sergeants end up making less than officers who haven’t been promoted.
Vincent Vallelong, president of the NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), explained that some sergeants could earn $9,000 to $15,000 less than officers in the next few years. Over a career, this could mean losing out on $80,000 to $100,000 in total earnings.
The SBA suggests that instead of giving sergeants gradual pay raises over time, the city could need to spend $170 million to adjust salaries properly.
Lack of Funding for Police
Vallelong criticized city officials for not prioritizing law enforcement. He pointed out that while the NYPD is struggling with funding, the city agreed to spend $220 million on housing for migrants at the Roosevelt Hotel.
“The city’s spending money in all the wrong places,” Vallelong said, urging officials to rethink their financial decisions.
Current Situation
The NYPD has about 4,300 sergeants, but this is 200 short of the ideal number. In January 2025 alone, more than 70 sergeants left the department, and 1,100 are eligible for retirement by June. Many others have been promoted to lieutenant, making the shortage worse.
Additionally, about 1,200 active sergeants are working second jobs to afford living in New York City.
A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said the city is negotiating with the SBA to reach a fair solution that ensures public safety. However, contract talks that were supposed to happen in early February were delayed, and the SBA claims the city is ignoring their proposals.
More Work, Less Motivation
NYPD sergeants are also being given more responsibilities, including monitoring low-level calls, tracking vehicle pursuits, and reviewing bodycam footage. This leaves them with less time for regular patrol duties.
With no incentive to take the promotion exams, experienced officers are choosing to remain at their current rank, worsening the sergeant shortage.
The Bigger Picture
Cities across the U.S. are struggling to recruit and keep police officers, and NYPD members are considering jobs in smaller departments where living costs are lower. This leads to more work for remaining officers and an overall loss of experienced law enforcement personnel.
Vallelong urged the mayor to request federal support, similar to past initiatives that helped strengthen law enforcement.
Meanwhile, City Hall stated that New York has already spent over $7 billion on the migrant crisis while only receiving $237 million in federal aid. They plan to discuss further funding with government officials.
The ongoing situation raises concerns about the future of policing in New York City as pay issues continue to drive sergeants away.
