Q&A
Council members question DCAS on NYPD vacancy rates and civil service exam fee waivers
1:10:25
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Council Members Erik Bottcher and Carmen N. De La Rosa engage in a Q&A session with DCAS representatives, focusing on NYPD vacancy rates and civil service exam fee waivers. The discussion highlights concerns about staffing levels in the NYPD and efforts to improve access to civil service opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- DCAS representatives were unable to provide specific insights on the 4.6% NYPD vacancy rate
- Approximately 20% of civil service exam applicants receive fee waivers
- DCAS supports the intent of Intro 671 for expanding fee waivers but expresses concerns about applicant follow-through
Erik Bottcher
1:10:25
Hi.
1:10:27
According to the office of the New York City Comptroller, the NYPD has a vacancy rate of 4.6%.
1:10:36
The NYPD is currently operating at a staffing level that's below what's been allocated in its budget by the city council.
1:10:47
To what factors do you attribute the 4.6% vacancy rate?
Katrina Porter
1:10:57
So DCAS works very closely with the NYPD to discuss, you know, any potential staffing issues or concerns, and we usually support them through the administration of civil service exams.
1:11:10
Many of the the public safety titles that, that, the NYPD uses are offered multiple times a year.
1:11:18
So for instance, police officer, we offer it 3 times a year, school safety agent, traffic enforcement agent, 2 to 3 times a year.
1:11:27
And so we we we support them in that way.
1:11:30
Speaking directly to the percentage of the vacancy rate, we're we're not at liberty to
Erik Bottcher
1:11:34
do that today.
1:11:36
Based on your experience, is a 4.6% vacancy rate for the NYPD low, average, or high?
Katrina Porter
1:11:45
So I can't speak to that today, sir.
1:11:47
We can definitely look into it and get back to you with a more definitive answer.
Carmen N. De La Rosa
1:11:54
Thank you, council member.
1:11:56
Alright.
1:11:56
So on my intro, 671, how does DCAS anticipate that a fee fee waiver, could improve access to civil service opportunities for underrepresented groups and economically disadvantaged communities?
Katrina Porter
1:12:12
So we do recognize the importance of fee waivers.
1:12:15
We offer fee waivers for many different populations such as folks who receive Medicaid, public assistance.
1:12:22
If you're unemployed, you can, receive a fee waiver.
1:12:26
So as I mentioned in my testimony, we do agree with the intent of the bill.
1:12:30
We're just concerned that, you know, based on our experience with reducing fee waivers, you know, that folks will apply, but that they won't actually show up to take the take the examination.
Carmen N. De La Rosa
1:12:43
Okay.
1:12:44
Does DCAS have data or research showing how examination fees have previously acted as a barrier for potential, applicants?
Katrina Porter
1:12:53
What I can tell you is that, approximately 20% of, candidates who apply for our exams receive a fee waiver.
1:13:02
They request and we approve a fee waiver.
Carmen N. De La Rosa
1:13:04
Okay.
1:13:05
20%.
1:13:06
Alright.
1:13:08
Alright.
1:13:08
We'll keep chatting about how to make it work.
1:13:10
Thank you so much for your testimony and thank you for being here today.