Another recruit said she has always wanted to be a police officer. "I saw my father serve his community and I wanted to do the same, and I think it's a good time to be that kind of cop these days," said NYPD Probationary Officer Lehr Weiner. But convincing other young people of that is the challenge police departments across the country are facing, not just in New York City. There have not only been a plunge in applications but there's also a surge in retirements. "It's tough being a cop right now with all the rhetoric and things that may be happening throughout the country that have an effect on New York and how we want to do our job," said Chief of Department Rodney Harrison. "It's really hard."