Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Ghost Cars And The Police Pay Problem
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 30, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 30, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The Daily News reports that "scarecrow cars" are being used by the NYPD to deter crime, much to the dismay of the police union. Scarecrow crows are empty radio cars that are stationed on highways in hopes of scaring drivers to straighten up with their driving.
The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association sees the cars as a sign of short-staffing and poor recruiting the NYPD has had lately, due to the low salaries offered. The Daily News has an enlightening graphic (above) that shows how much NYPD police officers make versus cops in other areas and at other agencies. The city and NYPD have been trying to re-negotiate a contracts for years to no avail, which both sides blame each other for.
The NYPD claims that the cars have nothing do to with short-staffing and everything to do with just want to keep things safe. The city's Office of Labor Relations commissioner James Hanley tells the News, "I've been going down to the Jersey shore for a long time, and the Garden State Parkway police have been doing it for years." The comment from Hanley, who is negotiating the NYPD's contract with the city, amused posters on the NYPD Rant message board: "I guess now Hanley is the newest voice in the Ministry of Propaganda. Garden State Parkway Police? When are they giving a test?"
Tagged
benevolent association
crime
daily news
garden state
garden state parkway
labor
Labor Relations
news
News: NYC
nypd
nypd rant
office
police
radio
the city
the daily news
The NYPD
The Police
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .