NYPD’s Rule for Retired Officers is Unfair and Unwise 

NYPD’s Rule for Retired Officers is Unfair and Unwise 

New York City is home to thousands of retired police officers, who have served the city with honor and courage. These retired officers have the right to keep their firearms licenses, as a recognition of their service and a protection of their safety. However, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) recently announced a new rule that requires all retired officers who want to keep their firearms licenses to undergo an annual gun safety course. This rule is unfair, unnecessary and disrespectful to retired officers, and it should be repealed or revised. 

The New Rule is Unfair and Unnecessary 

The new rule imposes an undue burden and cost on the retired officers, who have already received adequate training and experience in handling firearms. The rule requires them to pay for the course and travel to a designated location to take it every year. This is a hassle and a waste of time and money for the retired officers, who may have limited income and mobility. The rule also treats the retired officers as potential criminals or liabilities, rather than as trusted and respected former members of the NYPD. The rule does not consider the unique situation and needs of the retired officers, who may face threats and dangers that ordinary citizens do not. 

The New Rule is Disrespectful and Demoralizing 

The new rule shows a lack of respect and appreciation for the retired officers’ service and sacrifice. The retired officers have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the city, and they have earned the right to carry firearms. They have also proven their competence and professionalism in handling firearms, and they do not need to be reminded of the basics every year.

The new rule disregards the retired officers’ skills and knowledge and insults their dignity and pride. The new rule also alienates and demoralizes the retired officers, who may feel that the NYPD does not care about them or value their contribution. The new rule may discourage retired officers from keeping a positive relationship with the NYPD and the public. 

The New Rule Does Not Make the City Safer 

The new rule does not make New York City safer, but rather makes it more vulnerable. The new rule may deter retired officers from carrying firearms, which could put them and others at risk. The retired officers may encounter a person they arrested in the past, who may seek revenge or harm. In such a scenario, having a firearm could be a matter of life and death for the retired officer. Or, a retired officer may witness a crime or an emergency and decide to intervene or help. In such a case, having a firearm could help the retired officer protect himself or herself and others from harm.

Retired officers are not just ordinary citizens. They are former members of the NYPD, who can aid and support the active-duty officers and the public. Having armed retired officers makes New York City safer, not more dangerous. 

The NYPD Should Repeal or Revise the New Rule 

The NYPD should respect and appreciate the retired officers, and not impose unnecessary and burdensome rules on them. The annual gun safety course requirement should be scrapped or modified, so that it is voluntary, free and convenient for the retired officers. The NYPD should also provide other benefits and incentives for the retired officers, such as discounts, recognition and access to resources. The retired officers deserve nothing less for their service and sacrifice. 

The police unions are generally opposed to the new rule that requires retired officers to undergo an annual gun safety course. They argue that the rule is unnecessary, burdensome and disrespectful to the retired officers, who have already received extensive training and experience in handling firearms. They also claim that the rule violates the rights and benefits of the retired officers, who are entitled to carry firearms as a recognition of their service and a protection of their safety. 

According to the Police Benevolent Association, the largest police union in New York City, the new rule is “a slap in the face to every retired New York City police officer who has served this city with honor and courage.” The union also said that the rule is “an attempt to strip our members of their rights and benefits” and that it will “fight this ill-conceived policy in every possible venue.” 

The Sergeants Benevolent Association, another police union, also expressed its opposition to the new rule, calling it “an insult to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the NYPD.” The union said that the rule is “a clear violation of the law” and that it will “take all necessary legal action to protect our members’ rights.” 

The Lieutenants Benevolent Association, yet another police union, also criticized the new rule, saying that it is “unfair, unnecessary and disrespectful to the retired members of the service.” The union said that the rule is “a waste of time and money” and that it will “work with our fellow unions to challenge this rule and defend our members’ rights.” 

Retirees – NYPD – NYC.gov. https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/careers/human-resources-info/retirees.page. 

Who can actually get a gun in New York City? – City & State NY. https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2022/07/who-can-actually-get-a-gun-in-new-york-city/176419/. 

Retired NYPD Officers Can Concealed Carry Statewide In New York. https://www.ecusocmin.org/retired-nypd-officers-can-concealed-carry-statewide-in-new-york/. 

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