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DOI Report Calls for Reform of NYPD Disability Pension System
By Drooid · · How we work
Report Highlights Concerns Over NYPD Disability Pension System
The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) released a 19-page report warning that the current administration of accident disability pensions for NYPD officers creates a risk of improper payments. The report, prompted by anonymous tips, argues that the Police Pension Fund lacks the safeguards used by comparable law-enforcement retirement systems and has performed only one periodic medical re-examination of pensioners since 2019. DOI Commissioner Nadia Shihata said the findings show the system is vulnerable to misuse and needs stricter standards.
Background and Scale of the Pension Fund
The Police Pension Fund distributes retirement benefits to more than 50,000 former NYPD officers each year, totaling $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2025. Approximately one-quarter of that amount—$935 million—was paid as accident disability pensions. The fund’s procedures differ from those of the State Police, which evaluate applicants based on specific job duties rather than applying a uniform assessment.
Key Figures and Cases Cited
The report focuses on several high-profile retirees. Former Chief of Department John Chell, who retired at the end of 2025 with an annual pension of $295,919.64, is noted for a knee injury sustained during a migrant-enforcement operation on Randall’s Island. The DOI found the Board of Trustees struggled to determine Chell’s exact duties, relying on publicly available job descriptions. Other officials mentioned include former Chief of Training Juanita Holmes (pension over $350,000 annually) and former Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Mark Stewart. Four additional officers were investigated after tipsters provided video evidence of them engaging in strenuous physical activities—bench-pressing, dancing, and operating heavy equipment—despite receiving disability pensions.
Official Responses and Recommendations
The DOI recommends that the four officers undergo new medical examinations to assess whether they can return to city payroll in a limited capacity, which could lead to reduced or revoked benefits. The Police Pension Fund did not respond to a request for comment. Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which was winding down when the report was compiled, had previously faced media reports of several NYPD executives applying for and receiving accident disability pensions. The DOI’s findings suggest that implementing regular medical reviews and duty-specific assessments could align the fund with practices used by other law-enforcement agencies.