Cities Grapple with Crime Surge and Police Shortages in the Wake of Defund Movement

Major American cities are grappling with rising crime rates and shrinking police forces, a situation that has emerged in the wake of the "defund the police" movement. This movement gained momentum following the 2020 George Floyd riots.

Despite shifts in public messaging, many cities across the country are facing a crisis in law and order. For example, New York City is experiencing a significant decline in police officers. The city's police department saw a surge in retirements in the first three months of 2025. The mayor announced in 2023 that the police department would drop to a level not seen since the 1990s. The city also cut the next five classes in the police academy, meaning no new officers will graduate for the next five years.

This decline in police numbers in New York City is an intensification of a trend that began before the "defund" movement. Emergency response times have also been affected by the police shortages.

Philadelphia is also facing a shortage of police officers, with its force at its smallest size since 1985. The city ended 2024 with significantly fewer officers than budgeted. The mayor is increasing funding for police, but even these efforts won't bring the city close to its allotted number of officers.

Chicago is another city dealing with a significant decrease in police officers. Police retention is becoming increasingly difficult, and recruiting has also become harder.

Cincinnati's streets recently made national headlines due to a violent incident. The city's police department is also struggling with understaffing. City Council members are expressing concerns about the urgency of the issue, emphasizing the need for more officers.

Pittsburgh is facing a 20-year low in police staffing. The number of officers has steadily declined since 2019. The police department announced it would no longer personally answer certain 911 calls during specific hours.