NYPD officers leaving department at record pace as crime surge continues
New York congressional candidate Mike Lawler joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss the exodus as crime continues to spike.
A New York State assemblyman is demanding action from New York City Mayor Eric Adams as NYPD officers are reportedly leaving the department at a record rate amid a surge in violent crime.
Republican congressional candidate Mike Lawler joined "Fox & Friends First" to discuss how crime is impacting the exodus.
"Obviously Mayor Adams inherited a mess from Bill de Blasio, but unfortunately, he really hasn't been able to turn the tide here.
"And I think more and more law enforcement officers, as soon as they can retire, are taking the opportunity to do so or if they could transfer to a department in the suburbs are doing so," he told co-host Carley Shimkus.
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"Mayor Adams really needs to act," he continued. "He's really got to stop spending his time partying and start focusing on the job at hand, and crime is number one."
According to data obtained by The New York Post, nearly 1,600 officers have left the force this year alone. That number has spiked by over 430 officers since the same time last year.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams in New York City, New York. (Photo by Jimin Kim/VIEWpress via Getty Images)
"Unfortunately, so far, this mayor has spent more time partying than he has really cracking down on the issue at hand," Lawler said.
"And when you're talking about record levels of inflation, the highest in over 40 years, when you're talking about supply chain issues like baby formula shortages, when you're talking about crime, it really requires a serious level of attention."
"I had high hopes for him, but so far he's been a big disappointment," he continued.
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According to government data, crime had spiked 44% in the Big Apple as of April, with repeat offenders prompting the surge.
"The idea that somebody could commit a crime, be arrested and be put back on the streets within hours to commit the same offense or worse, It's really outrageous," Lawler said.