Part 3/7:
Fast forward to today, the narrative shifts dramatically. The NYPD currently faces a severe recruitment crisis, a decline in applications leading to dangerously low officer numbers, dropping from 18,000 applicants in 2017 to a mere 8,000 the most recent year. This marks a staggering 56% decrease, prompting authorities to lower recruitment standards significantly.
Previously, candidates were expected to have completed at least 60 college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Now, this requirement has been scaled back to just 24 credits with no GPA mandate, reflecting a deep concern over the ability to attract capable candidates to the force.