New York City to Hire 1,300 New Officers

Several hundred of the new officers will focus on counterterrorism


Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks with New York Police Department officers earlier this month. More than 1,000 officers will be added as part of this year’s budget. PHOTO:SPENCER PLATT/GETTY IMAGES


By MARA GAY and
JOSH DAWSEY
Updated June 22, 2015 10:17 p.m. ET 0 COMMENTS

New York City will hire 1,300 additional police officers as part of this year’s budget, according to a top aide to the mayor and other people close to negotiations.

The new officers will cost $170 million, but the city will save $70 million on overtime for New York Department officers, according to a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Mr. de Blasio will announce a new community policing initiative later this week in an effort to get more police on the streets, talking to residents.

A spokeswoman for his administration also added that the additional officers weren’t added because of the recent uptick in shootings and homicides.

Several hundred of the New York Police Department officers will focus on counterterrorism, according to a person familiar with the mayor’s discussions.

The added members of the force are a significant win for City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who has called for 1,000 new officers, and Police Chief William Bratton, who has also said the city needs more officers.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york...ers-1435025555