The Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association is warning residents that the city's proposed layoff of 82 officers would shrink the force to 1994 levels, when violent crime was more than double the current rate.

"It's clear that recent police layoffs in Newark and other New Jersey cities have led to significant increases in crime, and Jersey City should not follow down the same wrong path," Jersey City POBA President Jerry DeCicco said in a statement.

DeCicco said FBI data shows that in 1994 there were more than 4,300 violent crimes committed in Jersey City. Despite an increase in population, less than 1,800 violent crimes occurred in the city in 2009, according to the data.

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy responded last week that his administration remains hopeful the police layoffs can be averted, noting the city has cut the amount of concessions it is seeking from the officers from $8 million to $4 million.

Healy said crime has gone down in the city since he was elected and public safety will not be sacrificed.

"In these challenging economic times, we will continue to work with the police chief, the police director, and the police department to ensure continued public safety."

The city is demanding POBA members forgo half of their $1,300 uniform allowance for one year, and accept a "pay lag" in which they would forgo a week's pay but get the money back later in their careers.

DeCicco emphasized that seven months ago, POBA members made concessions on healthcare and took a 2.2 percent reduction in pay compared to the contract that was agreed upon initially.

If the administration and the union don't make a deal, 82 officers will be laid off and 12 police supervisors will be demoted on Feb. 15.