New York City police officers are being told to avoid idling in groups and speaking with other officers while on duty, says an internal memo reported by NY1. The memo described immediate changes to the patrol guide, including a new rule that officers should not "congregate or engage in unnecessary conversation with other members of the service while on post” unless absolutely necessary. Supervisors were asked to make sure officers follow the new order.
Mayor Eric Adams has said he was disappointed to see uniformed officers using cell phones while on duty in subway stations. The Police Benevolent Association criticized the policy changes. “The order is unnecessary,” said Patrick Lynch, president of the Police Benevolent Association. “Pretty soon there won’t be enough cops left to congregate anywhere in the city because these miserable working conditions and the low pay are forcing them to quit in droves.”