The number is fluid. It changes every month. Someone quits, someone graduates from the academy, someone gets promoted to desk duty.
If you want a single, tidy number: say “about 34,000.” It’s safe, it’s close, and it won’t get you into an argument with a cab driver.
Otherwise, just remember: there are a lot of them. More than you think, but fewer than they need. And they’re all trying to get home to Staten Island before traffic gets bad.
Now go grab a coffee. And maybe don’t jaywalk in front of one.
