Cruel Budget Cuts to Critical Services and NYPD Budget Exceptionalism Harms New Yorkers

New York City Council today held an oversight hearing that focused on Mayor Adams’ November financial plan. The current financial plan is expected to increase the fiscal year 2024 NYPD budget by $135 million (a 2.3% increase over the already enormous budget approved in June) while making drastic cuts to libraries, universal pre-K, affordable housing programs, community schools, youth programs, public transportation and violence prevention and intervention programs. Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) released the following statement in response to the hearing from Divad Durant, CPR spokesperson and Justice Committee leader:

“It's unconscionable that Mayor Adams keeps slashing core services that New Yorkers need to survive while shielding the NYPD's bloated budget and investing in nonsense like robodogs and robot cops. While libraries, pre-K, composting and community schools are being cut, the NYPD's current budget is set to increase by almost $135 million. The NYPD routinely blows its annual budget without consequence, even while refusing to fire cops who kill, brutalize and sexually harass New Yorkers. It's time to end this preferential treatment that emboldens abusive policing and invest in the non-police infrastructure and programs New Yorkers need for safer and healthier communities."

About Communities United for Police Reform

Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) is an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory policing practices in New York, and to build a lasting movement that promotes public safety and reduces reliance on policing. CPR runs coalitions of over 200 local, statewide and national organizations, bringing together a movement of community members, lawyers, researchers and activists to work for change. The partners in this campaign come from all 5 boroughs, from all walks of life and represent many of those most unfairly targeted by the NYPD.