New York State Park Police
Committed to Protecting NY State Parks and its Patrons
Park Police officers are highly trained specialists, dedicated to preserving the peace associated with a park environment. State Park Police officers are permanent, full-time Police Officer positions, and appointment to the position is made after a competitive process that includes a New York State Civil Service exam.
The New York State Park Police began as a patrol force in 1885 at Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the country. As the State Park system grew, so did the need for police services, and by 1973 State Park Police officers were on patrol in every park region across New York. Historical Photo Gallery
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18th Session Graduation Photos
Today, New York State Park Police continue to provide police services consistent with State Parks' mission: to provide safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities for New York State residents and visitors. The Park Police operate in a wide variety of locations - from crowded urban areas within New York City as well as popular ocean beaches to vast natural areas and areas of rugged terrain.
Typically, the State Park Police handle very large crowds, assist park users, search for and rescue missing persons, make arrests, conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations, and provide emergency services wherever and whenever they are needed. Special services the State Park Police also offer include marine law enforcement and education duties on New York waterways, snowmobile enforcement and education, and high angle and swift water rescue teams.
Learn more about the employment process for Park Police Officers.
The Park Police plan and conduct police and public safety operations for some of the largest public assemblies in the nation.
State Park Police officers patrol in marked police cars, four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, boats, and personal water crafts, as well as on foot. The Park Police also have an elite group of K9 teams that help keep State Parks, our visitors, and our neighboring communities safe.
Learn more: NY State Park Police K9 Unit History.
Contact the New York State Park Police
To report a crime, incident or emergency in progress call 9-1-1
If the crime or incident has already occurred, please contact the headquarters for that county or region.
To request a copy of a motor vehicle accident report please visit: NYS Department of Motor Vehicle
To request a copy of an incident report please visit: NY State Parks, Foil Requests
District and Zone Headquarters Directory
NY State Park Police Mission Statement, Core Values and Use Of Force Policy
The mission of the New York State Park Police is to provide total police services in support of the mission of the agency, and where possible, to extend those services to every citizen of the State as needed.