I have some sad news to report. Thanks to an extra 70 million that was cut from the judiciary by the governor, OCA has been forced into layoffs. There will be over 500+ statewide of non judicial employees The uniformed force makes up 25% of all non judicial employees. We were assured that officers would be the last to be laid off, however it is nearly certain (and I hope to GOD im wrong) that officers will be laid off. Large portions of overtime have been eliminated, vacant lines will remain vacant or eliminated, rollbacks will ensue including rolling back of recent promotions (ie LT back to SGT). There hasn't been a firm number set yet...we'll know by May 1 however there are 190 officers on probation (myself included) so any number of us could go. I wanted to pass this along to all the unborn's who got their academy canceled, or are going through the process. Its going to be a long wait. I'm hoping that the layoffs will be temporary as they put some kind of buyout package together, however that is pure speculation on my part. This has happened before in the early 1990's, and all officers laid off were offered to come back within two years. Its pretty devastating news for a lot of families (mine included) and i think it really hurts the job a lot of us still care about, and want to see grow. We have a special response team, mobile command center, msp patrol units, the academy training is police training, etc. This job has come a long way and we have earned respect from other depts yet who knows whether those units will survive. Lastly (and i apologize for this mini informational rant lol) I am concerned about the safety of my brother and sister officers. There have been those who have said the only way things will improve is if something happens, someone gets hurt, etc. While I know this can be true, I fear for the officers who already have their backs against the wall in understaffed commands, let alone those who still haven't been issued Baton/OC/VEST. Stay safe and remember your training. There is no more kool-aid...its been cut from the budget.
Anyone looking to hire a laid off LEO?
Link to NYS Court officers thread:
Anyone looking to hire a laid off LEO?
Link to NYS Court officers thread:
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