NYPD officers suffering from low morale, according to PBA survey

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A survey finds NYPD officers feel the department is suffering from low morale.

The results of the survey, done by the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, rated morale at less than 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.

According to the PBA, officers also said the city is less safe than it was two years ago, and the job is only getting more difficult.

A spokesman for the NYPD said the department has not seen the results of the survey.

The overall survey results show, by overwhelming margins, that members feel working conditions for police officers have become more difficult and dangerous, that New York City is less safe, and conditions are deteriorating, the PBA said, adding that members also now feel the disconnect between the public and the police has grown significantly over the past few years.

The preview of top survey results include:

--The level of morale among New York City police officers ranked 2.49 out of 10.

--87% of members said New York City has become "less safe" in the past two years and the majority, 55%, say it is "a lot less safe"

--96% of members feel the relationship between the NYPD and the public has worsened in recent years, with 70% saying it has "greatly worsened."

--96% of members agree that suspects are now more likely to actively resist arrest

--91% of members agree that graffiti, public urination, panhandlers, and other signs of disorder are growing more prevalent.

--These deteriorating conditions have led to more than 89% of members being willing to leave the NYPD for another job with better pay, either elsewhere in law enforcement or within the City, and 85% would leave the New York City area if offered better pay.

--More than 86% of members are less likely to recommend the NYPD as a career to relatives and children than compared to years past.

--Additionally, the majority of members felt they lacked equipment and training they need and they feel the NYPD is understaffed.

PBA president Patrick J. Lynch released a statement: "The results of this survey prove what we've been hearing time and time again from members over the past two years - the job is more difficult than ever, the dangers are greater, and morale is extremely low. The understaffing, inadequate training, low pay and lack of support has had a chilling effect on police officers across the city. Police officers are risking and sometimes sacrificing their lives to protect their communities from real crime and mayhem, and now they live in constant fear of lawsuits, public complaints and are not supported by either the elected officials or the public. It is clear from these results that our city's current public safety policies are not working in support of the women and men who actually patrol the streets. We want our leaders to work with us to change this situation, not only for the good of police officers but for the good of each and every New Yorker we serve."