NYC Cops Swamped by Paperwork Under ‘How Many Stops Act,’ $1.4M in Overtime Costs Spark Backlash

By: Mario Mancini

New York City taxpayers have spent over $1.4 million on overtime for NYPD officers in just three months due to the controversial “How Many Stops Act,” NYPD officials revealed during a City Council hearing on Monday. The law, which mandates officers document even the most minor encounters with civilians, has drawn criticism for its high costs and questionable impact on public safety.

The issue took center stage at the hearing, where NYPD officials defended the additional overtime hours required to comply with the law, while some council members pointed out the irony of lawmakers criticizing overtime spending they themselves helped create.

Councilman Bob Holden, one of the law’s vocal critics, did not hold back.

“Some of my colleagues are more interested in political posturing than public safety,” said Holden (D-Queens). “They criticize NYPD overtime while pushing legislation that burdens officers with excessive paperwork, costing taxpayers $1.5 million and 18,000 overtime hours in just one quarter.”

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters Michael Gerber confirmed the financial toll during the hearing, explaining, “In the third quarter of 2024, officers spent about 18,000 hours filling out forms under the ‘How Many Stops Act.’ That’s approximately $1.44 million in overtime.”

Officers reportedly spend 30 minutes to an hour completing the required documentation for each interaction. These forms apply to three levels of police encounters, from casual questioning (Level 1) to stops leading to arrests (Level 3). Data shows that 98% of these reports are for Level 1 encounters, such as casual inquiries.

Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey highlighted how even routine interactions are now subject to documentation. He cited an instance during this year’s New York City Marathon, where he asked a runner if they needed help, only to later file a report.

Critics argue that the law, enacted in July 2023 despite opposition from Mayor Eric Adams, has created an administrative burden without enhancing public safety. Opponents, including Councilman Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island), called it another example of costly and ineffective legislation.

“High cost, low value,” Borelli told The New York Post. “Sounds about right for a City Council idea.”

Adding to the frustration, a police source criticized the council for failing to anticipate the financial and operational impact of the law. “This is ignorance or a lack of common sense—time is money, and the council doesn’t seem to understand that,” the source said.

The NYPD is working to streamline the process, including rolling out electronic forms and offering flexibility in how and when officers complete the paperwork. However, these measures have not fully alleviated the strain.

“Officers are often running from one critical call to the next,” said Gerber. “Many are left to finish paperwork at the end of their shifts, adding to overtime costs.”

The law’s implementation comes amid growing tensions between the City Council and the NYPD over overtime spending. Earlier this year, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams criticized the department for an estimated $740 million in overtime costs for the fiscal year, the highest in a decade.

At Monday’s hearing, council members continued to scrutinize the NYPD, raising concerns about racial profiling and the department’s gang database. Samah Sisay, an attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights, claimed the department still fails to comply with court orders on constitutional policing.