A New York City police officer may have one of the most exciting and respected jobs in law enforcement, but the rookie pay is low.

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The more than 1,200 police recruits sworn into latest academy class pledged to put their lives on the line to protect the city's residents -- for $370.17 after taxes each week, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.

"These cops -- these heroes in training -- can barely make ends meet when they are in Police Academy," said Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. "It is disgraceful."

The $25,100 annual salary has dropped from the $38,000 because of a new contract between the police union and city hall.

After graduation from the academy, officers' salaries rise to $32,700. They rise further to $59,588 after six years on the job, said Lynch.