Park Police structure to change
Cuomo announces officers to be under control of State Police
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday issued a memorandum transferring command and control of the state Park Police to the State Police, in part to address soaring attendance at dozens of parks spread across New York.
“This administration has made unprecedented investments in our park system and with that came unprecedented growth in attendance,” Cuomo said in a statement. “The current system is indicative of the mentality of the past, and with this action we’ll be able to deploy state resources more efficiently and effectively and better respond to any threats to the safety of the 74 million people who visit New York’s parks and historic sites each year.”
The memorandum signed by
Cuomo will waive any age restrictions and allow the roughly 270 Park Police officers to apply to become troopers if they meet certain fitness and training requirements, including a background investigation, medical exam, and psychological and drug testing.
Park Police officers will not be required to apply to become a trooper and they — along with any officers who are unable to meet the requirements to become a trooper — can remain in their current titles although they are now under the supervision of State Police.
“The division (of State Police) will administer an ageappropriate fitness test to Park Police officers in place of the test normally administered to new recruits; and Park Police officers who qualify to become troopers will attend an abbreviated academy to alleviate Park Police training gaps,” the governor’s memo states.
Cuomo directed the state Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation and State Police to designate executive staff members to oversee the transition during the next six months, including analyzing the available equipment, vehicles and spaces as well as coordinating with first responders and other organizations to take on certain duties.
The change, which was supported by the Park Police officers’ union, is expected to result in better disability and retirement benefits for the Park Police officers, which their union says would help address retention challenges.
The State Police absorbed other law enforcement agencies before, including the Parkway Police on Long Island in 1980 and the Capitol police in 1997.
“We commend Gov. Cuomo on recognizing the outstanding job the state Park Police have performed over the years and his unprecedented investment in our park system,” said Manuel Vilar, vice president of the PBA of New York State, which has represented the Park Police officers. “As we move ahead, we look forward to working closely with the governor’s administration and other stakeholders to ensure the integration works for both troopers and Park Police officers for the betterment of both departments, the 74 million people who visit New York state parks each year and all New York state residents.”