Do NYPD Officers Get to Choose the Precincts They Work in?

NYPD officers, in general, do not have the autonomy to choose the precincts where they work. Instead, assignments are typically determined by the department based on operational needs, seniority, and specific skills. This article explores the complexities and realities of precinct assignments for NYPD officers, highlighting how they often end up where the department needs them rather than their preferred locations.

Assignment Process Upon Graduation

New recruits upon graduation from the police academy are assigned to a precinct based on the department's current needs. Despite having a dream sheet where they can submit their preferences, these choices usually hold no weight. Unless they have a unique advantage or someone champions their case, they are sent to the precinct most needed by the NYPD, even at the expense of personal convenience.

Typical Precinct Types

For instance, in the NYPD, precincts are broadly categorized as:

A Houses - High crime, busy, and active B Houses - Moderately busy and medium crime C Houses - Low crime, often described as "Dead Slow"

As a new recruit, the best you can do is hope for a B house, but ultimately, you will likely be assigned to an A house if you lack any form of 'hook' or special connections.

Requesting Transfers After Initial Service

Once an officer gains a bit of seniority, they can request transfers, but these requests are not guaranteed and are subject to approval from higher management and the availability of positions within the department. In my experience, being new means being placed in any precinct regardless of personal preference.

Personal Experience

My initial placement was based on the department's needs, and I was sent to a precinct that was far from my home. My academy classmate faced the same challenge, resulting in us swapping precincts. However, this solution was possible only because of our personal connections. For most officers, requests for transfer are met with a resounding 'no' unless they have strong backing within the department.

Shift Bidding Process

Within the patrol uniform division, there is an annual shift bidding process. This process involves officers choosing their shifts and precincts based on seniority and personal preference. This allows for a certain level of choice, but seniority continues to play a crucial role.

Decision-Making Process

During the bidding process:

Lieutenants are assigned shifts and precincts first based on preference and needs. Sergeants then select their shifts, precincts, and off days. Poly officers choose based on shift preference. Nicolas, a popular sergeant, might have a higher pull for certain positions due to his popularity and connections, while unpopular sergeants, like Jerk, might drive people away. Officers often select districts based on shift preferences or convenient off days, but some are drawn to areas like North Precinct for action, while others prefer the quieter 'Cow Country' in the southern part of the county.

The department's operational needs and seniority continue to be the primary determinants of where officers end up working. While some flexibility exists within the patrol division, the overall process is heavily influenced by the department's requirements and existing hierarchies.

Conclusion

While NYPD officers do not have full autonomy in choosing their precincts, the system allows for a measure of personal preference and seniority to play a role in the assignment process. However, the ultimate decision is made to meet the department's needs, often at the expense of officers' personal convenience.