In an effort to address a “hiring crisis,” the NYPD is rolling out a three-part plan aimed at recruiting more candidates and modernizing education requirements, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Wednesday.

The plan reduces the number of college credits needed to enter the NYPD’s Police Academy, increases the number of credits earned during academy training and reinstates a timed-run requirement for graduation, Tisch said in a release.

What You Need To Know

  • The NYPD is rolling out a three-part plan aimed at recruiting more candidates and modernizing education requirements

  • The plan reduces the number of college credits needed to enter the NYPD’s Police Academy, increases the number of credits earned during academy training and reinstates a timed-run requirement for graduation

  • The NYPD said the change makes more than 5,000 previously ineligible candidates on nearly 30 active civil service lists eligible to apply

The minimum college credit requirement for entry into the academy has been reduced from 60 to 24 credits, the release said.

The NYPD said the change makes more than 5,000 previously ineligible candidates on nearly 30 active civil service lists eligible to apply.

“Our officers work tirelessly to keep crime down and protect our communities, but it’s no secret that the NYPD is facing a hiring crisis,” Tisch said in a statement. “These changes will bring the department more in line with peer agencies across the country, strengthen our officer training, and ensure that the NYPD remains the best, and most rewarding way for someone to serve their community.”

The NYPD said that in 2023 alone, 29% of NYPD applicants — totaling 2,275 potential officers — were disqualified due to insufficient college credits. 

The number of college credits awarded for completing the six-month recruit training program at the Police Academy, meanwhile, has been increased from 36 to 45, per a reassessment conducted by the National College Credit Recommendation Service, according to the release.

“This increase is based on the academic strength and rigor of the program, which includes coursework in criminal law, criminal procedures and investigations, constitutional rights, crisis intervention, and more,” the release said.

Academy graduates will now have at least 69 college credits upon entering the force, the NYPD said.

The department said it is also bringing back the 1.5-mile timed run requirement for academy graduation.

To graduate, candidates must complete the run in under 14 minutes and 21 seconds. The NYPD said the move is meant to ensure new officers meet the physical demands of the job.