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Ramon Rosario owns the Sutter Tire Shop in East New York, Brooklyn which is in the 75th Precinct. According to the NYPD, the precinct has the highest crime rate in the city and incidents are already up over last year.

"We need support," he said through a translator. "This area needs more police, not less."

But fewer police are what that neighborhood and others face with the mayor's proposed budget cuts.

In addition to canceling the academy class scheduled for January, the force will ultimately end up with 1,000 fewer officers from its peak head count.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says there would be no impact for the first half of next year, but the future remains uncertain.

"After that, it remains to be seen," said Kelly. "I think we have the leadership core; we have the experience. And we know taxes and strategies that work to see to keep certain that the city remains safe."

Still, there are those who worry cuts to the NYPD could have widespread effects.

"Public safety needs to be a priority," said Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr. "Without it, no other area of New York City can thrive: not the economy, senior centers, the arts, tourism – nothing."

Vallone Jr., who represents Astoria, Queens, is chair of the City Council's Public Safety Committee. He wants hearings before any cuts are made.

"We're going to insist that Ray Kelly come down and explain to us how he's going to continue to keep us safe with thousands less officers than the depleted force he has even now," said Vallone.