Nearly half of NYPD’s bomb squad – and their dogs – could retire this year, union says

The clock is ticking for nearly half the members of the NYPD’s bomb squad as veteran officers – and their dogs – approach retirement, potentially threatening the city’s safety, union representatives said.

Nearly half of the unit’s 45 detectives – 22 in total – have surpassed 20 years on the force, making them eligible to retire as soon as this year, the Detectives Endowment Association said. That means their companion bomb-sniffing dogs – and the expensive, specialized training provided to them – could also be on the way out as the canines often retire alongside their handlers.

“It’s not just about the bravery of our detectives and the police dogs who must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Scott Munro, president of the detective’s union. “Terrorists know New York is target one. We can’t afford to lose one more detective.”

The warning comes nearly two months after Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department was in a “hiring crisis” and opted to lower education standards in order to boost recruitment.

The number of detectives has fallen steadily since 2020 with the department losing about 8% of its ranks, according to a report by the city’s Independent Budget Office. Detectives mostly come from promoted patrol officers, whose ranks have also fallen about 11% since 2020, according the report.

A spokesperson for the department called the bomb squad critical and composed of “highly trained officers” who use the latest technology.

The department’s recent technological investments include sending robot dogs into bomb threats.

While officers become eligible for a full-service retirement benefit after 20 years of service, that does not necessarily mean they will step down immediately. Police officials said the department regularly monitors attrition and plans accordingly to make sure the unit has the coverage and resources it needs.

The union’s contract is set to expire in 2027.