NYPD may shrink to smallest size in 16 years,
union leader says
By AP
A union leader says New
York City's police force will shrink to its smallest size
in more than 15 years under budget cuts that could take effect
in July.
The plan calls for slashing 1,000 officers' positions, for a total
maximum of 36,838 officers. All the cuts would be made through
attrition.
Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch says
that's the smallest number of budgeted police posts since 1992.
The department counted 40,800 officers in 2000.
Police Commissioner Raymond
Kelly told City Council members Wednesday that the planned
cuts would "put pressure" on the police department.
But a spokesman for Mayor
Michael Bloomberg says the budget only trims jobs that haven't
been filled because of a slowdown in recruitment.
|
