Becoming a Park Patrol Officer

The New York State Park Police provide essential police services consistent with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's mission-to provide safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities for New York State residents and visitors. State Park Police patrol in marked police cars, four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, boats, personal water crafts, and in one region, horses, as well as on foot. In addition, State Park Police assist park users, make arrests, conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations, and provide emergency services. State Park Police also provide special services including marine law enforcement and education duties on New York waterways, snowmobile enforcement and education, and rope rescue teams.

Qualifications

Must be at least age 20 at time of appointment, and no more than 35 at time of written exam;
Minimum educational credits-60 college credit hours. Two years of active military service with an honorable discharge may be substituted for 30 of the 60 college semester credit hours.
Must be a United States Citizen and New York State resident at time of appointment, and maintain New York State residency after appointment.
Must have a valid New York State Drivers License at time of appointment.
Visual acuity no worse than 20/40 each eye, corrected to 20/30 each eye.
Must pass a physical/medical examination.
Successful completion of a background investigation, including a polygraph. Conviction of a crime may bar appointment.

Selection Process

Competitive written Civil Service examination, usually given annually in December
Agility performance test
Extensive background investigation, including polygraph examination
Psychological examination, drug testing
Medical examination, subsequent to a conditional offer of employment
Successfully complete a six month residential police basic school

Salary & Benefits

Current starting salary at SG-13 is $42,001 and SG-14 $44,633 upon completion of one year training. Job rate is $55,853 upstate, $59,966 to $59,136 downstate (salaries do not include overtime).
Retirement is at half pay after 25 years.
Promotional opportunities by competitive examination processes.
13-24 vacation days per year, 12 paid holidays, 5 personal leave days, and 13 days paid sick leave per year.
Excellent health, dental and optical insurance coverage
All uniforms and equipment are provided

Contact

Send your name and address via email to: PPOcareers@oprhp.state.ny.us. You will be notified (usually in October) about application procedures for the PPO Trainee examination.
Or write the NYS Park Police at:
OPRHP
Empire State Plaza
Agency Building #1
Albany, New York 12238.