By Eric S. Dym
NYPD Chief of Department John Chell — a key ally of Mayor Eric Adams — is reportedly preparing to retire and seek a ¾ (75%) tax-free disability pension tied to an ankle injury he sustained on duty.
His move has reignited a long running debate inside the department and among taxpayers: is New York City’s police disability pension system a lifeline for the injured — or a golden ticket for insiders?
NYPD officers can qualify for a line-of-duty disability pension if they prove an injury prevents them from continuing police work. Approved claims pay 75% of final salary and, when classified as line-of-duty disability, are tax-free under state and federal rules.
On paper, the process treats every rank equally. In reality, critics say the tiered systems of favortism benefit those with influence — and is far less forgiving to patrol cops without connections (general population, NYPD).
Concerns aren’t new but continue. Former NYPD Chief of Personnel Michael Markman, once known for challenging disability claims from rank-and-file officers, famously retired on his own line-of-duty disability pension, citing a decades-old back injury.
Media outlets have labeled the process a “pension lottery,” pointing to inconsistent standards and minimal follow-up once an officer, especially a senior one is approved.
For patrol officers, securing a ¾ disability pension can feel like running an obstacle course. Pension boards demand exhaustive medical documentation, and many applicants end up denied or pushed into lower-paying “ordinary disability” retirement.
Meanwhile, “white shirts”, chiefs, inspectors, and other brass often have better legal help, insider knowledge, and influence. Even when claims meet the medical standard, the perception is clear: rank matters. Each time a top-paid chief leaves with a tax-advantaged ¾ pension, morale among the rank-and-file dips to further decline.
Defenders argue that chiefs still face risk, enormous stress, and round-the-clock responsibility. They insist the process is defined by statute and medical review, not favoritism and that every injured cop deserves protection, regardless of rank.
Chell’s retirement appears to be an indicator for the disability claim process. If his claim sails through quietly, it will reinforce the belief that insiders play by different rules. A transparent, rigorous review could instead rebuild trust that the disability pension remains a true safety net not a perk of power.