Police exodus: officers flee New York's "failed policies" and move to Florida

The Sunshine State added more than 1,750 new officers to its law enforcement ranks and was first in the country in terms of recruitment.

Agente de Policía en Milwaukee / Cordon Press.

Published by

Verónica Silveri Pazos

11 de abril, 2023

Topics:

Florida ranks first in the nation in law enforcement recruitment. In just one year, the state increased its police personnel by more than 1,750 new officers. More than 200 of these officers moved to The Sunshine State from California, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania.

The relocation of these officers to Florida is due in large part to initiatives undertaken by the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis. One of them: the Force Recruitment Bonus Program that includes covered costs for training courses, relocation expenses and $1,000 bonuses for each recruit:

I’m proud to announce that more than 1,750 new law enforcement officers have received bonuses through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program. Florida is first in the nation in law enforcement recruitment because of our focus on back-the-blue initiatives that make our law enforcement officers feel supported by their communities.

Exodus of officers from New York

New York's record officer exodus represents a 117% increase this year compared to 2021. In a statement issued by the governor's office, several recruits argued that among their main reasons for moving were the neglect of law enforcement, excessive taxes and failed policies to combat crime in their hometowns.

Davey, a former NYPD officer, moved last year to serve with the Clermont Police Department. He stated:

After working in the NYPD for 17 years, I began to feel as if the city I served no longer supported my efforts. I decided to look into relocating my family and practicing law enforcement elsewhere. ... I am happy to say that in July of last year I moved to Florida and joined the Clermont Police Department soon after.

Rob, another former NYPD officer, who also joined the Clermont PD, commented that he moved to Florida because "New York’s over-taxation is burdensome and pays for failed policies that have led to both a dramatic increase in crime and decrease in quality-of-life."

Despite 25 years and four promotions at the NYPD, the choice of moving to Florida was an easy one. The people and the government in Florida are far more appreciative and supportive of law enforcement. Governor DeSantis’s call is being heard and I was happy to make the move.

DeSantis invites officers to relocate to Florida

In November 2021, DeSantis first invited law enforcement officers to relocate to Florida:

So NYPD, Minneapolis, Seattle, if you’re not being treated well, we’ll treat you better here. You can fill important needs for us and we will compensate you as a result.

Shortly after this invitation, at least fourteen NYPD officers left the force to join the Lakeland Police Department. They cited DeSantis' recruitment plan and the hostile work environment of a city whose leaders, they said, turned their backs on the police.