The Patriot Post® · NYPD Morale Can't Get Much Worse

A new survey reveals the extent to which Mayor Bill de Blasio’s fractured relationship with the New York Police Department has taken its toll. The survey, conducted by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), reveals “that 87% of police officers believe the city is ‘less safe’ since Mayor de Blasio took over two years ago,” the New York Daily News reports. “A stunning 96% of officers who responded said they feel the relationship between the NYPD and the public has worsened in recent years, with 70% saying it has ‘greatly worsened,’ according to the poll.”

According to PBA president Pat Lynch, “The results of this survey prove what we’ve been hearing time and time again from members over the past two years — the job is more difficult than ever, the dangers are greater, and morale is extremely low.” A small disclaimer: “The poll is difficult to put into context because it’s the first of its kind commissioned by the union,” notes the Daily News. That said, when 87% of the police force believes failed leadership has resulted in the city being less safe and 96% say public relations are headed in the wrong direction, the results really can’t get much worse.

Around Christmas 2014, police officers attending the funerals of slain colleagues Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos turned their backs on the mayor — not once, but twice. Clearly, the reforms de Blasio has taken since have done little to rectify the situation. That’s because the biggest problem these officers face — race-bait rhetoric — hasn’t gone away.