NEW YORK (VINnews) — The NYPD is imposing new restrictions on cops, including cracking down on those who drink coffee on the job (which some consider a requirement for police officers).
According to the NY Post, things are about to get even more stressful for the already burnt-out police force. The department will root out cops who grow beards too long, drink coffee on the job and don’t empty garbage cans.
In addition to growing beards past one-quarter inch, “offenses” include officers who keep inaccurate memo books, tint windows too dark on their personal cars or fail to comb their hair properly.
Inspectors will also scour waste baskets “to ensure there isn’t garbage overflowing and littered about.”
Another example would be an officer showing up for detail without their hat.
“If somebody is non-compliant with the beard procedure – they’ll look into that,” said Chief Kevin Maloney. “It’s really anything the cops are supposed to adhere to … their job is to make sure they’re doing that. It’s just enforcing the rules.”
“Everybody should look professional,” Maloney added.
The effort to crack down on the police – created by Commissioner Keechant Sewell – is being led by the newly developed Professional Standards Bureau.
Already overworked and stressed-out cops are complaining that the new unit will crush morale in the already depleted department.
“It’s pathetic – everybody’s talking about it,” said one Brooklyn cop quoted in the Post. “Guys are saying they’ve never seen morale so bad. The attitude is [the bosses] want to get you for something … Why would you go above and beyond to do anything at this point?”
Officers caught violating the rules will be disciplined, and could lose vacation time, among other consequences.
“Like we don’t have enough stress,” one officer said. “I’m already never seeing my family and you’re taking more time away from me? It’s a very stressful situation.”
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said the rules will worsen “the NYPD’s historic staffing crisis.
“It is absolutely mindboggling that monitoring beard length and sock color are the NYPD’s top priorities right now,” said Lynch.
“New York City police officers can’t pay their bills. They never get to see their families. They are battling every day against perps who have no fear and a justice system that delivers no consequences,” he added.
The NYPD roster is already 1,208 below the target census.
During January and February, 239 officers resigned – a 36% spike from 2022 in the same months. And it’s a shocking 117% higher than 2021 numbers.