• The New York Police Department is reducing the number of college credits that potential officers need as it deals with a hiring crisis. The NYPD said the change makes thousands of previously ineligible candidates eligible to apply now.
• The department will also bring back a physical requirement for candidates, having them complete a 1.5 mile run.
• According to city data, NYPD’s force has around 34,000 officers.

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In the midst of a hiring crisis, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is reducing its college credit requirement in an effort to beef up its force. Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced Wednesday, Feb. 26, police recruits will now only need 24 college credits to enter the police academy, down from the previous requirement of 60 credits which disqualified 29% of NYPD applicants in 2023.

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

Meanwhile, the number of college credits awarded for completing the six-month recruit training program at the police academy has been increased from 36 to 45.

What is the new physical requirement?

The academy will also now focus more on a “physically fit force” by reinstating a running test. 

Recruits will be required to complete a 1.5 mile run in under 14 minutes and 21 seconds. 

How many officers are currently in the force?

According to city data, NYPD’s force has around 34,000 officers, down from the 20-year high in 2000 of around 40,000.

The NYPD is one of the only municipal police forces in the country that still requires college credits for candidates.