Podcast Summary: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Episode: Bill O’Reilly: The NYPD - Then vs. Now
Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction: A Legacy of Service

The episode begins with a poignant personal narrative that sets the stage for a broader discussion about the New York Police Department (NYPD). Bill O’Reilly shares the story of his grandfather, John O’Reilly, an NYPD officer who served with distinction in World War I.

“My grandfather was an NYPD officer. He joined the force when he came back from World War I. This is an amazing story.” (00:30)

John O’Reilly immigrated from Ireland after enduring famine and hardship, landing in Brooklyn with his twin brothers. Despite the adversities, he carved out a 20-year career with the NYPD, followed by a role in bank security. O’Reilly emphasizes his grandfather’s toughness and heroism, notably surviving the brutal Battle of Meuse-Argonne without injury despite high casualties in his battalion.

Evolution of Policing: Then vs. Now

Transitioning from personal history, O’Reilly delves into the changes within the NYPD over the decades. He contrasts the robust policing of the early 2000s with the current challenges facing the department.

“Policing back then in the 1920s and 30s was a lot different than the policing now.” (02:00)

He acknowledges that while past policing had its flaws, such as instances of excessive force, the current state presents more severe issues, including understaffing and declining recruitment standards.

Declining Recruitment and Lowered Standards

A significant focus of the discussion is the decline in NYPD recruitment and the subsequent lowering of entry standards. O’Reilly presents alarming statistics to highlight this trend:

“In the year 2017, 18,000 people applied to be New York City police officers... Last year, 8,000, a 56% decline.” (03:00)

He argues that in desperation to fill ranks, the NYPD has reduced its requirements from 60 college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA to just 24 college credits without GPA consideration. This, he contends, signals a decline in the quality and competence of new officers.

Reductions in Force and Operational Challenges

O’Reilly outlines the reduction in the number of active police officers over the years, noting a decrease from 40,000 in 2000 to approximately 34,000 in recent times. This reduction, coupled with high attrition rates due to retirements and transfers to other agencies offering better pay and appreciation, exacerbates the department’s struggles.

“At the top of the line in the year 2000, right before 9/11, there were 40,000 New York City police officers... Now, the headcount is 34,000 and change.” (03:45)

Critique of City Council and Policy Impact

A central theme of the episode is the criticism of the New York City Council and its impact on policing. O’Reilly characterizes council members as unsupportive and antagonistic toward law enforcement, labeling many as “socialist loons.”

“The New York City Council does not respect policing. Most of these people are socialist loons.” (04:15)

He accuses the council of enacting policies that hinder police effectiveness and safety, such as allowing public disrespect towards officers without prosecution. Referencing District Attorneys Alvin Bragg and Marcel Clark, he criticizes their handling of cases involving police misconduct or public antagonism towards officers.

The Dangers and Disincentives of Policing Today

O’Reilly emphasizes the inherent dangers of police work, highlighting that officers face violence and disrespect daily without sufficient systemic support or protection.

“Being a cop is dangerous, as everybody knows. And now you can spit in the face of an officer, you can curse, swear at them, you can do all kinds of things, and you won't even be prosecuted.” (04:30)

He discusses the lack of adequate compensation and the constant threat of violence as major deterrents for potential recruits, leading to a decrease in the department’s capability to maintain public safety.

Call to Action: Rebuilding Leadership and Support

Concluding his analysis, O’Reilly calls for a change in leadership to restore respect and support for the NYPD. He advocates for new leadership within the mayor’s office and city council to address the systemic issues plaguing the department.

“We need a new mayor and we need a new council.” (05:30)

Additionally, he shares a personal perspective, expressing pride in his family’s policing legacy and a willingness to support future generations, despite the current challenges faced by the NYPD.

“If my son came to me and said, dad, I want to be an NYPD officer, I'd say, good. I would carry on the family tradition.” (05:00)

Conclusion

Bill O’Reilly’s episode “The NYPD - Then vs. Now” provides a comprehensive critique of the current state of the New York Police Department. By intertwining personal family history with statistical analysis and policy critique, O’Reilly underscores the urgent need for leadership changes and systemic reforms to revitalize the NYPD and ensure effective policing in New York City.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Personal Legacy:

  “My grandfather was an NYPD officer. He joined the force when he came back from World War I. This is an amazing story.” (00:30)

• Recruitment Decline:

  “In the year 2017, 18,000 people applied to be New York City police officers... Last year, 8,000, a 56% decline.” (03:00)

• Critique of City Council:

  “The New York City Council does not respect policing. Most of these people are socialist loons.” (04:15)

• Call for Leadership Change:

  “We need a new mayor and we need a new council.” (05:30)

Note: Timestamps are based on the provided transcript segments and are indicative of the content's placement within the episode.