Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New Officers Will Help Protect Park System's Record Numbers of Annual Visitors

Applications accepted through September 30

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) is looking for the next class of Park Police Officers committed to protecting the State Park system's visitors. In 2022, a record 79 million people experienced New York State Parks and Historic Sites. Heading into a Centennial celebration next year, State Parks will continue to serve visitors and offer the safest beaches, trails, golf courses, pools, picnic areas, and entertainment venues in the nation. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2023.

"We are searching for the next group of recruits who have a calling for both state service and the love of outdoors," said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. "Additionally, our New York State Park Police is among the first agencies in the nation committed to the growing movement of 30x30 – the initiative to reach 30 percent of women in recruiting classes by 2030, as we aim to be representative of the entire state. Advancing women in policing is critical to improving public safety. Our Park Police work hard every day to protect our millions of visitors and utilize a special training to respond to all types of situations whether in extreme circumstances, educational, or just a night under the stars."

This past May, our State Park Police Academy graduated 32 new officers who have been since assigned to serve New York's State Parks and Historic Sites. State Parks maintains a welcoming environment and offers new recruits hands-on training and classroom education in Criminal Procedure Law, Penal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Park and Recreation Law and criminal investigations. Recruits will receive training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation, and a wide variety of other law enforcement-related topics and skills.

Assistant Director of Park Police Col. Michael Daddona said, "This is a challenging yet rewarding career. Our Park Police are relied upon to help people in extreme weather, criminal investigations and enforcement on New York State's waterways and trails. They are joining a team of dedicated officers who provide a great public service to the people of New York State."

Park Police officers are highly trained specialists dedicated to our New York State Parks' mission of P.R.I.D.E.: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence. They provide New York State residents and visitors with safe and enjoyable recreational experiences at State Parks and Historic Sites.

Visit https://parks.ny.gov/park-police/park-police-officers.aspx for more information regarding the application process, agility test, and written exam.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.