NYPD expected to spend $92M in overtime during NBA finals, FIFA World Cup, America 250
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that the department is entering a “rough start” to its fiscal year as officers are assigned 12‑hour shifts throughout June and July to cover the NBA finals, FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations.
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The NYPD is preparing for one of its busiest and most expensive summers in years as major international and national events converge across the city, prompting a sharp rise in overtime needs.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that the department is entering a “rough start” to its fiscal year as officers are assigned 12‑hour shifts throughout June and July to cover the NBA finals, FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations.
The NYPD projects it will spend $92 million on overtime between June 11 and July 19. The city budget, however, allocates only about $70 million, leaving a $20 million to $21 million shortfall.
At a City Hall oversight hearing, Council Member Oswald Feliz questioned whether the city could reduce its reliance on overtime spending while still keeping the city safe.
Tisch said adding more officers would help reduce overtime, but noted that staffing levels are ultimately a budget decision for the mayor and City Council.
The commissioner also warned that the strain on the department is growing as Mayor Zohran Mamdani prepares to announce a "robust" slate of public watch parties across all five boroughs, in addition to parades and local celebrations already scheduled.
“We would like to facilitate a lot,” Tisch said. “Perhaps we won’t be able to facilitate everything, but there will be a lot of celebrating in New York City.”
Tisch said the NYPD is also focused on security concerns tied to large gatherings, including preventing vehicles from entering crowded watch‑party areas.
“We don’t want cars driving into these watch parties by purpose or by accident,” she said.
The mayor has approved an additional 580 officers for the department, which the commissioner notes is a win, and that the NYPD's hiring plan is on track to reach a headcount of 35,555 officers this year.
