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The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association of the City of New York (NYC PBA) recently conducted a survey of its members on the NYPD’s daily working environment, as well as their opinions of Mayor de Blasio, the New York City Council, and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton. The results demonstrate that an overwhelming majority of NYC PBA members believe New York City is headed in the wrong direction, in large part because of the lack of support for police officers from Mayor de Blasio and other elected officials. Today’s results follow similar numbers — released yesterday — showing police officer morale has reached historic lows.

The survey was open to all PBA members over the course of approximately three weeks and more than 6,000 responses were collected. Respondents ranged in age, location and service years, with 47% having more than 10 years of NYPD experience. The overall survey results show that members believe the relationship with the public and elected officials has worsened in the past few years, with a lack of support and respect for police officers the top reason cited. Members also expressed they personally feel “less safe” while on duty and most agree that they are often reluctant to take police action for fear of lawsuits or complaints from the public.

Top survey results include:

• 95% of members said New York City is on the wrong track.

• 92% of PBA members say support for the police has decreased during the de Blasio administration compared to past administrations.

• 96% of responses were unfavorable towards Mayor de Blasio, with 88% very unfavorable. Additionally, 96% disapprove of de Blasio’s policing and public safety policies.

• City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the City Council both receive poor ratings from the PBA membership, with the Speaker receiving 85% unfavorable rating and the City Council receiving a 97% negative job rating.

• Police Commissioner Bratton receives relatively high ratings. 64% of the respondents are favorable towards Commissioner Bratton and he also receives a 66% overall job approval rating.

• 95% of NYC PBA members say they personally feel “less safe” while on duty as a police officer, and the majority, 58%, feel “much less safe.”

• 97% agree that police officers are reluctant to take action for fear of lawsuits or complaints by the public.

• 81% feel the new procedures and requirements related to the use of stop, question and frisk limit police officers’ ability to safely and effectively make stops, when necessary.

NYC PBA president Patrick J. Lynch said: 

“The brave men and women who risk their lives to protect New Yorkers should feel safe and confident that their hard work is having a positive impact on the future of this city. Unfortunately, as this survey proves, the majority of our police officers do not feel supported by Mayor de Blasio’s administration or the City Council, and believe their unfavorable public safety policies have New York City on the wrong track. This disconnect between our members and city leaders cannot continue, and now is the time for a real solution.”