Law enforcement in New York
Encyclopedia
Law enforcement in New York
state is the responsibility of a very large number of law enforcement agencies
. Law enforcement is conducted by police departments, fire departments, sections of other government departments, educational institutions, private companies and charities at federal
, state
, county, city, town and occasionally village levels. There are two types of law enforcement agents: "police officers" and "peace officers".
1. A sworn member of the division of state police
.
2. Sheriffs, under-sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of counties outside of New York City.
3. A sworn officer of an authorized county or county parkway police department.
4. A sworn officer of an authorized police department or force of a city, town, village or police district.
5. A sworn officer of an authorized police department of an authority or a sworn officer of the state regional park police in the office of parks and recreation.
6. A sworn officer of the capital police force of the office of general services.
7. An investigator employed in the office of a district attorney.
8. An investigator employed by a commission created by an interstate compact who is, to a substantial extent, engaged in the enforcement of the criminal laws of this state.
9. The chief and deputy fire marshals, the supervising fire marshals and the fire marshals of the bureau of fire investigation of the New York City fire department
.
10. A sworn officer of the division of law enforcement in the department of environmental conservation. (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police
)
11. A sworn officer of a police force of a public authority created by an interstate compact.
12. Long Island railroad police.
13. A special investigator employed in the statewide organized crime task force, while performing his assigned duties pursuant to section seventy-a of the executive law.
14. A sworn officer of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety
services who, on or prior to June 30, 1979 was appointed as a sworn officer of the division of Westchester county parkway police or who was appointed on or after July 1, 1979 to the title of police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain or inspector or who, on or prior to January 31, 1983, was appointed as a Westchester county deputy sheriff.
15. A sworn officer of the water-supply police employed by the city of New York, appointed to protect the sources, works, and transmission of water supplied to the city of New York, and to protect persons on or in the vicinity of such water sources, works, and transmission. (New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police
)
16. Persons appointed as railroad policemen pursuant to section eighty-eight of the railroad law.
18. Any employee of the Suffolk county
department of parks who is appointed as a Suffolk county park police officer. (Suffolk County Park Police)
19. A university police officer appointed by the state university
pursuant to paragraph 1 of subdivision two of section three hundred fifty-five of the education law. (State University of New York Police
)
20. A sworn officer of the department of public safety of the Buffalo municipal housing authority who has achieved or been granted the status of sworn police officer and has been certified by the division of criminal justice services as successfully completing an approved basic course for police officers.
21. Persons appointed as Indian police
officers pursuant to section one hundred fourteen of the Indian law.
22. Supervisor of forest ranger services; assistant supervisor of forest ranger services; forest ranger 3; forest ranger 2; forest ranger 1 employed by the state department of environmental conservation or sworn officer of the division of forest protection and fire management in the department of environmental conservation responsible for wild land search and rescue, wild land fire management in the state as prescribed in subdivision eighteen of section 9-0105 and title eleven of article nine of the environmental conservation law, exercising care, custody and control of state lands administered by the department of environmental conservation.
1. Constables or police constables of a town or village, provided such designation is not inconsistent with local law.
2. The sheriff, undersheriff and deputy sheriffs of New York city (New York City Sheriff's Office
) and sworn officers of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety
services appointed after January thirty-first, nineteen hundred eighty-three to the title of public safety officer and who perform the functions previously performed by a Westchester county deputy sheriff on or prior to such date.
3. Investigators of the office of the state commission of investigation.
5. Employees of the New York City Department of Finance
assigned to enforcement of the tax on cigarettes imposed by title D of chapter forty-six of the administrative code of the city of New York by the commissioner of finance.
6. Confidential investigators and inspectors, as designated by the commissioner, of the department of agriculture and markets, pursuant to rules of the department.
7. Officers or agents of a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. (ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division
)
7-a. Officers or agents of a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to children, provided that such officer or agent shall exercise the powers of a peace officer only when he is acting pursuant to his special duties. (New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
8. Inspectors and officers of the New York City Department of Health
when acting pursuant to their special duties as set forth in section 564-11.0 of the administrative code of the city of New York.
9. Park ranger
s in Suffolk county
, who shall be authorized to issue appearance tickets, simplified traffic informations, simplified parks informations and simplified environmental conservation informations.
10. Broome county
park rangers who shall be authorized to issue appearance tickets, simplified traffic informations, simplified parks informations, and simplified environmental conservation informations.
11. Park rangers in Onondaga
and Cayuga
counties, who shall be authorized to issue appearance tickets, simplified traffic informations, simplified parks informations and simplified environmental conservation informations, within the respective counties of Onondaga and Cayuga.
12. Special policemen designated by the commissioner and the directors of in-patient facilities in the office of mental health pursuant to section 7.25 of the mental hygiene law, and special policemen designated by the commissioner and the directors of facilities under his jurisdiction in the office of mental retardation and developmental disabilities pursuant to section 13.25 of the mental hygiene law.
13. Persons designated as special policemen by the director of a hospital in the department of health pursuant to section four hundred fifty-five of the public health law.
15. Uniformed enforcement forces of the New York state thruway authority
, when acting pursuant to subdivision two of section three hundred sixty-one of the public authorities law.
16. Employees of the department of health designated pursuant to section thirty-three hundred eighty-five of the public health law.
17. Uniformed housing guards of the Buffalo municipal housing authority.
18. Bay constable of the city of Rye, the villages of Mamaroneck, South Nyack and bay constables of the towns of East Hampton, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Riverhead, Southampton, Southold, Islip, Shelter Island, Brookhaven, Babylon, Smithtown, Huntington and North Hempstead.
19. Harbor masters appointed by a county, city, town or village.
20. Bridge and tunnel officers, sergeants and lieutenants of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
. (Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police)
22. Patrolmen appointed by the Lake George park commission.
23. Parole officers or warrant officers in the division of parole.
23-a. Parole revocation specialists in the division of parole.
24. Probation officers.
25. Officials, as designated by the commissioner of the department of correctional services pursuant to rules of the department, and correction officers of any state correctional facility or of any penal correctional institution.
28. All officers and members of the uniformed force of the New York City Fire Department
as set forth and subject to the limitations contained in section 487a-15.0 of the administrative code of the city of New York.
29. Special policemen for horse racing, appointed pursuant to the provisions of the pari-mutuel revenue law as set forth in chapter two hundred fifty-four of the laws of nineteen hundred forty, as amended.
30. Supervising fire inspectors, fire inspectors, the fire marshal and assistant fire marshals, all of whom are full-time employees of the county of Nassau fire marshal's office.
32. Investigators of the department of motor vehicles, pursuant to section three hundred ninety-two-b of the vehicle and traffic law.
33. A city marshal of the city of New York who has received training in firearms handling from the federal bureau of investigation or in the New York city police academy, or in the absence of the available training programs from the federal bureau of investigation and the New York city police academy, from another law enforcement agency located in the state of New York, and who has received a firearms permit from the license division of the New York city police department.
34. Waterfront and airport investigators, pursuant to subdivision four of section ninety-nine hundred six of the unconsolidated laws.
35. Special investigators appointed by the state board of elections, pursuant to section 3-107 of the election law.
36. Investigators appointed by the state liquor authority, pursuant to section fifteen of the alcoholic beverage control law.
37. Special patrolmen of a political subdivision, appointed pursuant to section two hundred nine-v of the general municipal law.
38. A special investigator of the New York city department of investigation who has received training in firearms handling in the New York police academy and has received a firearms permit from the license division of the New York city police department.
39. Broome county special patrolman, appointed by the Broome county attorney.
41. Fire police squads organized pursuant to section two hundred nine-c of the general municipal law, at such times as the fire department, fire company or an emergency rescue and first aid squad of the fire department or fire company are on duty, or when, on orders of the chief of the fire department or fire company of which they are members, they are separately engaged in response to a call for assistance pursuant to the provisions of section two hundred nine of the general municipal law.
42. Special deputy sheriffs appointed by the sheriff of a county within which any part of the grounds of Cornell university or the grounds of any state institution constituting a part of the educational and research plants owned or under the supervision, administration or control of said university are located pursuant to section fifty-seven hundred nine of the education law.
43. Housing patrolmen of the Mount Vernon housing authority, acting pursuant to rules of the Mount Vernon housing authority.
44. The officers, employees and members of the New York city division of fire prevention, in the bureau of fire, as set forth and subject to the limitations contained in subdivision one of section 487a-1.0 of the administrative code of the city of New York.
45. Persons appointed and designated as peace officers by the Niagara frontier transportation authority, pursuant to subdivision thirteen of section twelve hundred ninety-nine-e of the public authorities law.
46. Persons appointed as peace officers by the Sea Gate Association pursuant to the provisions of chapter three hundred ninety-one of the laws of nineteen hundred forty. (Seagate Police Department)
47. Employees of the insurance frauds bureau of the state department of insurance when designated as peace officers by the superintendent of insurance and acting pursuant to their special duties.
48. New York state air base security guards when they are designated as peace officers under military regulations promulgated by the chief of staff to the governor and when performing their duties as air base security guards pursuant to orders issued by appropriate military authority.
49. Members of the army national guard military police and air national guard security personnel belonging to the organized militia of the state of New York when they are designated as peace officers under military regulations promulgated by the adjutant general and when performing their duties as military policemen or air security personnel pursuant to orders issued by appropriate military authority.
50. Transportation supervisors in the city of White Plains appointed by the commissioner of public safety in the city of White Plains.
51. Officers and members of the fire investigation division of the fire department of the city of Rochester, the city of Binghamton and the city of Utica, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
52. Security hospital treatment assistants, as so designated by the commissioner of the office of mental health while transporting persons convicted of a crime to court, to other facilities within the jurisdiction of the office of mental health, or to any state or local correctional facility.
53. Authorized agents of the municipal directors of weights and measures in the counties of Suffolk, Nassau and Westchester when acting pursuant to their special duties as set forth in section one hundred eighty-one of the agriculture and markets law.
54. Special policemen appointed pursuant to section one hundred fifty-eight of the town law.
56. Dog control officers of the town of Brookhaven, who at the discretion of the town board may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of such law.
57-a. Seasonal park rangers of the Westchester county department of public safety while employed as authorized by the commissioner of public safety/sheriff of the county of Westchester.
57-a. Officers of the Westchester county public safety emergency force, when activated by the commissioner of public safety/sheriff of the county of Westchester.
58. Uniformed members of the security force of the Troy housing authority.
59. Officers and members of the sanitation police of the department of sanitation of the city of New York, duly appointed and designated as peace officers by such department. Provided, further, that nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to apply to officers and members of the sanitation police regularly and exclusively assigned to enforcement of such city's residential recycling laws. (New York City Department of Sanitation Police
)
61. Chief fire marshall, assistant chief fire marshall, fire marshall II and fire marshall I, all of whom are full-time employees of the Suffolk county department of fire, rescue and emergency services, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
61. Investigators employed by the criminal investigations bureau when assigned to such bureau by the superintendent of banks and acting pursuant to their special duties as set forth in article two-B of the banking law.
62. Chief fire marshall, assistant chief fire marshall, fire marshall II and fire marshall I, all of whom are full-time employees of the town of Babylon, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
62. Employees of the division for youth assigned to transport and warrants units who are specifically designated by the director in accordance with section five hundred four-b of the executive law.
63. Uniformed members of the fire marshal's office in the town of Southampton and the town of Riverhead, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
63. Employees of the town court of the town of Greenburgh serving as a security officer.
64. Cell block attendants employed by the city of Buffalo police department.
65. Chief fire marshal, assistant chief fire marshall, fire marshal II and fire marshal I, all of whom are full-time employees of the town of Brookhaven, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
66. Employees of the village court of the village of Spring Valley serving as security officers at such village court.
67. Employees of the town court of the town of Putnam Valley serving as a security officer.
68. The state inspector general and investigators designated by the state inspector general.
68. Dog control officers of the town of Arcadia, who at the discretion of the town board may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of such law.
68. Employees appointed by the sheriff of Livingston county, when acting pursuant to their special duties serving as uniformed marine patrol officers.
68. Employees of the town court of the town of Southampton serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
68. Persons employed by the Chautauqua county sheriff's office serving as court security officers.
69. Employees of the village court of the village of Amityville serving as uniformed court officers at such village court.
70. Employees appointed by the sheriff of Yates county, pursuant to their special duties serving as uniformed marine patrol officers.
71. Town of Smithtown fire marshals when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
72. Persons employed by Canisius college as members of the security force of such college.
73. Employees of the town court of the town of Newburgh serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
74. Parks and recreation forest rangers employed by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation. (New York State Forest Rangers
)
74. Employees of the village court of the village of Quogue, town of Southampton serving as uniformed court officers at such village court.
74. Employees of the town court of the town of East Hampton serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
75. Dog control officers of the town of Clarence, who at the discretion of the town board may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of the agriculture and markets law.
75. Airport security guards, senior airport security guards, airport security supervisors, retired police officers, and supervisors of same, who are designated by resolution of the town board of the town of Islip to provide security at Long Island MacArthur Airport when acting pursuant to their duties as such, and such authority being specifically limited to the grounds of the said airport.
75. Officers and members of the fire investigation unit of the fire department of the city of Buffalo when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
76. Employees of the village court of the village of Southampton, town of Southampton serving as uniformed court officers at such village court.
76. Animal control officers employed by the city of Peekskill.
77. Chief fire marshal, assistant chief fire marshal, and fire marshals, all of whom are full-time employees of the town of East Hampton, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
78. A security officer employed by a community college who is specifically designated as a peace officer by the board of trustees of a community college pursuant to subdivision five-a of section sixty-three hundred six of the education law, or by a community college regional board of trustees pursuant to subdivision four-a of section sixty-three hundred ten of the education law.
79. Court security officers employed by the Wayne county sheriff's office.
79. Supervisors and members of the arson investigation bureau and fire inspection bureau of the department of state's office of fire prevention and control when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, their prevention, extinguishment, investigation thereof, and fire perils.
79. Peace officers appointed by the city university of New York pursuant to subdivision sixteen of section sixty-two hundred six of the education law, who shall have the powers set forth in section 2.20 of this article whether or not they are acting pursuant to their special duties. (City University of New York Public Safety Department
)
79. Animal control officers of the city of Elmira, who at the discretion of the city council of the city of Elmira may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law, and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of such law.
80. Employees of the Onondaga county sheriff's department serving as uniformed court security officers at Onondaga county court facilities.
81. Members of the Hospital Police Department employed by the Erie County Medical Center.
81. Employees of the town of Riverhead serving as court officers at town of Riverhead court facilities.
81. Employees of the town court of the town of Southold serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
81. Commissioners of and court officers in the department of public safety for the town of Rye when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to maintaining the safety and security of citizens, judges and court personnel in the town court, and effecting the safe and secure transport of persons under the custody of said department.
81. Employees of the town of Yorktown serving as court attendants at town of Yorktown court facilities.
81. Employees of the Lewis county sheriff's department serving as uniformed court security officers at Lewis county court facilities.
82. Employees of the New York city business integrity commission designated as peace officers by the chairperson of such commission
But most of them cannot make arrests:
Exceptions apply, marked below in bold.
1. Federal Bureau of Investigation
special agents.
2. United States Secret Service
special agents.
3. Immigration and Naturalization Service
immigration inspectors, special agents, patrol officers and deportation officers.
4. United States Marshals and Marshals Service deputies.
5. Drug Enforcement Administration
special agents.
6. Federal Protective Officers
.
7. United States Customs Service
special agents, inspectors and patrol officers.
8. United States Postal Service police officers and inspectors.
10. United States probation officers.
11. United States General Services Administration special agents.
12. United States Department of Agriculture
special agents.
13. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms special agents.
14. Internal Revenue Service
special agents and inspectors.
15. Officers of the United States bureau of prisons
.
16. United States Fish and Wildlife
special agents.
17. United States Naval Investigative Service special agents.
18. United States Department of State
special agents.
19. Special agents of the defense criminal investigative service
of the United States department of defense
.
20. United States Department of Commerce
, Office of Export Enforcement
, special agents.
21. United States Department of Veterans Administration
police officers employed at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Batavia. (United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police
)
22. Federal Reserve law enforcement officers.
23. Federal air marshal program special agents.
24. United States Coast Guard Investigative Service
special agents.
25. United States Department of Commerce, special agents and enforcement officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
's Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement.
26. Department of the Army special agents, detectives and police officers.
27. United States Department of Interior, park rangers with law enforcement authority.
shall have the powers set forth in paragraphs a, b, c, f, g and h listed below, and complete standard peace officer training.
The city of Peekskill may appoint the following persons as watershed protection and enforcement officers:
The duties of the watershed protection and enforcement officers shall be to enforce those provisions of the environmental conservation law and the penal law which relate to the contamination of water in those areas of the Hollow Brook watershed located within the city of Peekskill, including its reservoirs, shoreline, and tributaries, and those areas of the Hollow Brook watershed and Wiccopee reservoir located outside of the city of Peekskill in the counties of Putnam
and Westchester
, including its reservoirs, shoreline, and tributaries.
Watershed protection and enforcement officers are authorized to make arrests and issue appearance tickets in those areas of the Hollow Brook watershed and Wiccopee reservoir located outside of the city of Peekskill in the counties of Putnam and Westchester, including along its reservoirs, shoreline, and tributaries.
(a) The power to make warrantless arrest
s pursuant to section 140.25 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
(b) The power to use physical force and deadly physical force
in making an arrest or preventing an escape pursuant to section 35.30 of the Penal Law.
(c) The power to carry out warrantless search
es whenever such searches are constitutionally permissible and acting pursuant to their special duties.
(d) The power to issue appearance tickets pursuant to subdivision 3 of section 150.20 of the Criminal Procedure Law, when acting pursuant to their special duties. New York city special patrolmen shall have the power to issue an appearance ticket only when it is pursuant to rules and regulations of the police commissioner of the city of New York.
(e) The power to issue uniform appearance tickets pursuant to article 27 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law and to issue simplified traffic informations pursuant to section 100.25 of this chapter and section 207 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
(f) The power to issue a uniform navigation summons and/or complaint pursuant to section 19 of the Navigation Law whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
(g) The power to issue uniform appearance tickets pursuant to article 71 of the Environmental Conservation Law, whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
(h) The power to possess and take custody of firearms not owned by the peace officer, for the purpose of disposing, guarding, or any other lawful purpose, consistent with his duties as a peace officer.
(i) Any other power which a particular peace officer is otherwise authorized to exercise by any general, special or local law or charter whenever acting pursuant to his special duties, provided such power is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Penal Law or the Criminal Procedure Law.
(j) Uniformed court officers shall have the power to issue traffic summonses and complaints for parking, standing, or stopping violations pursuant to the Vehicle and Traffic Law whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
For the purposes of this section a peace officer acts pursuant to his special duties when he performs the duties of his office, pursuant to the specialized nature of his particular employment, whereby he is required or authorized to enforce any general, special or local law or charter, rule, regulation, judgment or order.
A peace officer, whether or not acting pursuant to his special duties, who lawfully exercises any of the powers conferred upon him pursuant to this section, shall be deemed to be acting within the scope of his public employment for purposes of defense and indemnification rights and benefits that he may be otherwise entitled to under the provisions of section 50K of the General Municipal Law, sections 17 or 18 of the Public Officers Law, or any other applicable section of law.
Many peace officers in New York are armed and allowed to carry a firearm both on and off duty through their employment, however many peace officers are not allowed to carry a firearm through their employment, meaning they can't carry a firearm on duty and if they want a firearm for off duty use, they must apply for a permit in order to buy one. Each agency decides whether their officers will be allowed to carry a firearm through their employment or not. Some agencies that do allow their peace officers to carry a firearm through their employment include the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police, New York City Department of Correction
, and the New York State Court System
. Some agencies that do not allow their officers to carry a firearm through their employment include the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department
, New York City Department of Health and Hospitals Police
, New York City Department of Homeless Services Police
, and the New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol
. Agencies can also allow their peace officers to carry a firearm through their employment on duty only, and can not carry a department issued firearm off duty. In this case, the officer can carry the firearm while on duty, however when they go off duty, they must either give the firearm to a supervisor, fellow officer who is on duty, or lock it up in a locker at the department. If these officers want a firearm for off duty use, they must apply for a permit to purchase one. One agency that does this is the Co-op City Department of Public Safety
.
, can of pepper spray
, pair of handcuffs, a whistle
, a flashlight
, and a portable radio. Officers who are armed on duty also carry their firearm. However, some differences can include the brand and strength of pepper spray, type and brand of baton, type and brand of handcuffs, and for armed officers, type and brand of firearm and ammo. In addition, certain agencies allow their officers to carry other equipment, such as tasers. However, different agencies can also allow/ban certain equipment carried by officers. For example, NYPD Auxiliary Police
officers are only equipped with a baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and whistle, while NYPD School Safety Agents
only carry handcuffs, a flashlight, and a whistle.
, which is usually worn on the left or right chest of the shirt or jacket. The shape and color of badges differ between rank and department. For example, NYPD police officers wear a shield shaped badge in silver, and other rank officers have different shape and color badges. Sergeants and above have gold badges with each rank having a different shape badge, and detectives wear an almost round badge.
troopers go through more than 700 hours of training, exceeding the minimum requirement of 635 hours of training for police officers, NYPD Auxiliary Police
officers go through 54 hours of training, exceeding the minimum requirement of 10 hours of training for part time peace officers, and Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police Bridge and Tunnel officers go through more than 500 hours of training, exceeding the minimum requirement of 35 hours of training for full time peace officers. All training courses for police and peace officers include training in criminal law, police science, powers they have, what they can and can't do, some physical training, arrest procedures, how to properly make arrests, and how to properly use their equipment. Officers who are armed must be trained with their firearm before they can carry it, and must re qualify yearly. Agencies may also give their officers additional types of training such as homeland security training, emergency vehicle operation training, pursuit training, radar training, accident investigation training, and more.
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
state is the responsibility of a very large number of law enforcement agencies
Law enforcement agency
In North American English, a law enforcement agency is a government agency responsible for the enforcement of the laws.Outside North America, such organizations are called police services. In North America, some of these services are called police while others have other names In North American...
. Law enforcement is conducted by police departments, fire departments, sections of other government departments, educational institutions, private companies and charities at federal
Federal government of the United States
The federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
, state
Government of New York
As in all 50 states, the head of the executive branch of the government of New York is a Governor. The legislative branch is called the Legislature and consists of a Senate and an Assembly. Unlike most states, New York electoral law permits electoral fusion; thus New York ballots tend to show a...
, county, city, town and occasionally village levels. There are two types of law enforcement agents: "police officers" and "peace officers".
Persons designated as police officers
The following are defined as "police officers" by subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law. Where an entry is in bold, click the "show" link to the far right to see the full entry. Notes in italics are not part of the law.1. A sworn member of the division of state police
New York State Police
The New York State Police is the state police force of over 4,600 sworn Troopers for the state of New York. It was established on April 11, 1917 by the New York Legislature, in response to the 1913 murder of a construction foreman named Sam Howell in Westchester County, which at that time did not...
.
2. Sheriffs, under-sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of counties outside of New York City.
3. A sworn officer of an authorized county or county parkway police department.
4. A sworn officer of an authorized police department or force of a city, town, village or police district.
5. A sworn officer of an authorized police department of an authority or a sworn officer of the state regional park police in the office of parks and recreation.
6. A sworn officer of the capital police force of the office of general services.
7. An investigator employed in the office of a district attorney.
8. An investigator employed by a commission created by an interstate compact who is, to a substantial extent, engaged in the enforcement of the criminal laws of this state.
9. The chief and deputy fire marshals, the supervising fire marshals and the fire marshals of the bureau of fire investigation of the New York City fire department
New York City Fire Department
The New York City Fire Department or the Fire Department of the City of New York has the responsibility for protecting the citizens and property of New York City's five boroughs from fires and fire hazards, providing emergency medical services, technical rescue as well as providing first response...
.
10. A sworn officer of the division of law enforcement in the department of environmental conservation. (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police is the police force of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Members of the DEC Police are New York State police officers...
)
11. A sworn officer of a police force of a public authority created by an interstate compact.
12. Long Island railroad police.
13. A special investigator employed in the statewide organized crime task force, while performing his assigned duties pursuant to section seventy-a of the executive law.
14. A sworn officer of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety
Westchester County Department of Public Safety
See article: Law enforcement in Westchester CountyThe Westchester County Department of Public Safety was created in 1979 by merging the Westchester County Sheriff's Office with the Westchester County Parkway Police....
services who, on or prior to June 30, 1979 was appointed as a sworn officer of the division of Westchester county parkway police or who was appointed on or after July 1, 1979 to the title of police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain or inspector or who, on or prior to January 31, 1983, was appointed as a Westchester county deputy sheriff.
15. A sworn officer of the water-supply police employed by the city of New York, appointed to protect the sources, works, and transmission of water supplied to the city of New York, and to protect persons on or in the vicinity of such water sources, works, and transmission. (New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police
New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police, also known as DEP Police, and formerly known as the Bureau of Water Supply Police and the Aqueduct Police, is a law enforcement agency in New York whose duties are to protect and preserve the New York City water supply system, the...
)
16. Persons appointed as railroad policemen pursuant to section eighty-eight of the railroad law.
18. Any employee of the Suffolk county
Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York on the eastern portion of Long Island. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,493,350. It was named for the county of Suffolk in England, from which its earliest settlers came...
department of parks who is appointed as a Suffolk county park police officer. (Suffolk County Park Police)
19. A university police officer appointed by the state university
State University of New York
The State University of New York, abbreviated SUNY , is a system of public institutions of higher education in New York, United States. It is the largest comprehensive system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States, with a total enrollment of 465,000 students, plus...
pursuant to paragraph 1 of subdivision two of section three hundred fifty-five of the education law. (State University of New York Police
State University of New York Police
The New York State University Police is the law enforcement agency of the State University of New York , the state university system of New York...
)
20. A sworn officer of the department of public safety of the Buffalo municipal housing authority who has achieved or been granted the status of sworn police officer and has been certified by the division of criminal justice services as successfully completing an approved basic course for police officers.
21. Persons appointed as Indian police
Indian tribal police
Indian tribal police are peace officers hired by those Native American tribes which have a constitutional government on Reservations, as opposed to hereditary chiefs...
officers pursuant to section one hundred fourteen of the Indian law.
22. Supervisor of forest ranger services; assistant supervisor of forest ranger services; forest ranger 3; forest ranger 2; forest ranger 1 employed by the state department of environmental conservation or sworn officer of the division of forest protection and fire management in the department of environmental conservation responsible for wild land search and rescue, wild land fire management in the state as prescribed in subdivision eighteen of section 9-0105 and title eleven of article nine of the environmental conservation law, exercising care, custody and control of state lands administered by the department of environmental conservation.
Peace officers
Peace officers are controlled by Article 2 of the Consolidated Laws of Criminal Procedure. This article is split into five sections:- 2.10 - Persons designated as peace officers.
- 2.15 - Federal law enforcement officers; powers.
- 2.16 - Watershed protection and enforcement officers; powers, duties, jurisdiction for arrests.
- 2.20 - Powers of peace officers.
- 2.30 - Training requirements for peace officers - covered separately below
Persons designated as peace officers
This section stipulates who is designated as a peace officer. Whilst designation as a peace officer normally allows the designee to carry firearms, a number of the following designations have that permission specifically revoked, and those designees must acquire a firearms license available to the general public (under Art. 400 of the Penal Law). Where an entry is in bold, click the "show" link to the far right to see the full entry. Notes in italics are not part of the law.1. Constables or police constables of a town or village, provided such designation is not inconsistent with local law.
2. The sheriff, undersheriff and deputy sheriffs of New York city (New York City Sheriff's Office
New York City Sheriff's Office
The New York City Sheriff's Office is the civil law enforcement division of the New York City Department of Finance. The Sheriff's office is headed by a sheriff, who is appointed to the position by the mayor, unlike most sheriffs in New York State who are elected officials...
) and sworn officers of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety
Westchester County Department of Public Safety
See article: Law enforcement in Westchester CountyThe Westchester County Department of Public Safety was created in 1979 by merging the Westchester County Sheriff's Office with the Westchester County Parkway Police....
services appointed after January thirty-first, nineteen hundred eighty-three to the title of public safety officer and who perform the functions previously performed by a Westchester county deputy sheriff on or prior to such date.
3. Investigators of the office of the state commission of investigation.
5. Employees of the New York City Department of Finance
New York City Department of Finance
The New York City Department of Finance is the local taxation agency of New York City. The New York City Sheriff's Office is its civil enforcement arm.-Mission statement:The Department's primary operational goals are:...
assigned to enforcement of the tax on cigarettes imposed by title D of chapter forty-six of the administrative code of the city of New York by the commissioner of finance.
6. Confidential investigators and inspectors, as designated by the commissioner, of the department of agriculture and markets, pursuant to rules of the department.
7. Officers or agents of a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. (ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division
ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division
The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division is the law enforcement arm of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals...
)
7-a. Officers or agents of a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to children, provided that such officer or agent shall exercise the powers of a peace officer only when he is acting pursuant to his special duties. (New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
8. Inspectors and officers of the New York City Department of Health
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is a department of the Government of New York City responsible for public health along with issuing birth certificates, dog licenses, and conducting restaurant inspection and enforcement...
when acting pursuant to their special duties as set forth in section 564-11.0 of the administrative code of the city of New York.
9. Park ranger
Park ranger
A park ranger or forest ranger is a person entrusted with protecting and preserving parklands – national, state, provincial, or local parks. Different countries use different names for the position. Ranger is the favored term in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Within the United...
s in Suffolk county
Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York on the eastern portion of Long Island. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,493,350. It was named for the county of Suffolk in England, from which its earliest settlers came...
, who shall be authorized to issue appearance tickets, simplified traffic informations, simplified parks informations and simplified environmental conservation informations.
10. Broome county
Broome County, New York
Broome County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 200,600. It was named in honor of John Broome, who was lieutenant governor in 1806 when Broome County was established. Its county seat is Binghamton, which is also its major city. The current...
park rangers who shall be authorized to issue appearance tickets, simplified traffic informations, simplified parks informations, and simplified environmental conservation informations.
11. Park rangers in Onondaga
Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....
and Cayuga
Cayuga County, New York
Cayuga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. It was named for one of the tribes of Indians in the Iroquois Confederation. Its county seat is Auburn.- History :...
counties, who shall be authorized to issue appearance tickets, simplified traffic informations, simplified parks informations and simplified environmental conservation informations, within the respective counties of Onondaga and Cayuga.
12. Special policemen designated by the commissioner and the directors of in-patient facilities in the office of mental health pursuant to section 7.25 of the mental hygiene law, and special policemen designated by the commissioner and the directors of facilities under his jurisdiction in the office of mental retardation and developmental disabilities pursuant to section 13.25 of the mental hygiene law.
13. Persons designated as special policemen by the director of a hospital in the department of health pursuant to section four hundred fifty-five of the public health law.
15. Uniformed enforcement forces of the New York state thruway authority
New York State Thruway
The New York State Thruway is a system of limited-access highways located within the state of New York in the United States. The system, known officially as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway for former New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey, is operated by the New York State Thruway Authority and...
, when acting pursuant to subdivision two of section three hundred sixty-one of the public authorities law.
16. Employees of the department of health designated pursuant to section thirty-three hundred eighty-five of the public health law.
17. Uniformed housing guards of the Buffalo municipal housing authority.
18. Bay constable of the city of Rye, the villages of Mamaroneck, South Nyack and bay constables of the towns of East Hampton, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Riverhead, Southampton, Southold, Islip, Shelter Island, Brookhaven, Babylon, Smithtown, Huntington and North Hempstead.
19. Harbor masters appointed by a county, city, town or village.
20. Bridge and tunnel officers, sergeants and lieutenants of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
MTA Bridges and Tunnels, legal name Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, is a division of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, that operates seven intrastate toll bridges and two tunnels in New York City...
. (Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police)
22. Patrolmen appointed by the Lake George park commission.
23. Parole officers or warrant officers in the division of parole.
23-a. Parole revocation specialists in the division of parole.
24. Probation officers.
25. Officials, as designated by the commissioner of the department of correctional services pursuant to rules of the department, and correction officers of any state correctional facility or of any penal correctional institution.
28. All officers and members of the uniformed force of the New York City Fire Department
New York City Fire Department
The New York City Fire Department or the Fire Department of the City of New York has the responsibility for protecting the citizens and property of New York City's five boroughs from fires and fire hazards, providing emergency medical services, technical rescue as well as providing first response...
as set forth and subject to the limitations contained in section 487a-15.0 of the administrative code of the city of New York.
29. Special policemen for horse racing, appointed pursuant to the provisions of the pari-mutuel revenue law as set forth in chapter two hundred fifty-four of the laws of nineteen hundred forty, as amended.
30. Supervising fire inspectors, fire inspectors, the fire marshal and assistant fire marshals, all of whom are full-time employees of the county of Nassau fire marshal's office.
32. Investigators of the department of motor vehicles, pursuant to section three hundred ninety-two-b of the vehicle and traffic law.
33. A city marshal of the city of New York who has received training in firearms handling from the federal bureau of investigation or in the New York city police academy, or in the absence of the available training programs from the federal bureau of investigation and the New York city police academy, from another law enforcement agency located in the state of New York, and who has received a firearms permit from the license division of the New York city police department.
34. Waterfront and airport investigators, pursuant to subdivision four of section ninety-nine hundred six of the unconsolidated laws.
35. Special investigators appointed by the state board of elections, pursuant to section 3-107 of the election law.
36. Investigators appointed by the state liquor authority, pursuant to section fifteen of the alcoholic beverage control law.
37. Special patrolmen of a political subdivision, appointed pursuant to section two hundred nine-v of the general municipal law.
38. A special investigator of the New York city department of investigation who has received training in firearms handling in the New York police academy and has received a firearms permit from the license division of the New York city police department.
39. Broome county special patrolman, appointed by the Broome county attorney.
41. Fire police squads organized pursuant to section two hundred nine-c of the general municipal law, at such times as the fire department, fire company or an emergency rescue and first aid squad of the fire department or fire company are on duty, or when, on orders of the chief of the fire department or fire company of which they are members, they are separately engaged in response to a call for assistance pursuant to the provisions of section two hundred nine of the general municipal law.
42. Special deputy sheriffs appointed by the sheriff of a county within which any part of the grounds of Cornell university or the grounds of any state institution constituting a part of the educational and research plants owned or under the supervision, administration or control of said university are located pursuant to section fifty-seven hundred nine of the education law.
43. Housing patrolmen of the Mount Vernon housing authority, acting pursuant to rules of the Mount Vernon housing authority.
44. The officers, employees and members of the New York city division of fire prevention, in the bureau of fire, as set forth and subject to the limitations contained in subdivision one of section 487a-1.0 of the administrative code of the city of New York.
45. Persons appointed and designated as peace officers by the Niagara frontier transportation authority, pursuant to subdivision thirteen of section twelve hundred ninety-nine-e of the public authorities law.
46. Persons appointed as peace officers by the Sea Gate Association pursuant to the provisions of chapter three hundred ninety-one of the laws of nineteen hundred forty. (Seagate Police Department)
47. Employees of the insurance frauds bureau of the state department of insurance when designated as peace officers by the superintendent of insurance and acting pursuant to their special duties.
48. New York state air base security guards when they are designated as peace officers under military regulations promulgated by the chief of staff to the governor and when performing their duties as air base security guards pursuant to orders issued by appropriate military authority.
49. Members of the army national guard military police and air national guard security personnel belonging to the organized militia of the state of New York when they are designated as peace officers under military regulations promulgated by the adjutant general and when performing their duties as military policemen or air security personnel pursuant to orders issued by appropriate military authority.
50. Transportation supervisors in the city of White Plains appointed by the commissioner of public safety in the city of White Plains.
51. Officers and members of the fire investigation division of the fire department of the city of Rochester, the city of Binghamton and the city of Utica, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
52. Security hospital treatment assistants, as so designated by the commissioner of the office of mental health while transporting persons convicted of a crime to court, to other facilities within the jurisdiction of the office of mental health, or to any state or local correctional facility.
53. Authorized agents of the municipal directors of weights and measures in the counties of Suffolk, Nassau and Westchester when acting pursuant to their special duties as set forth in section one hundred eighty-one of the agriculture and markets law.
54. Special policemen appointed pursuant to section one hundred fifty-eight of the town law.
- 55 expired July 1, 1993
56. Dog control officers of the town of Brookhaven, who at the discretion of the town board may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of such law.
- There are 2 sub 57-as
57-a. Seasonal park rangers of the Westchester county department of public safety while employed as authorized by the commissioner of public safety/sheriff of the county of Westchester.
57-a. Officers of the Westchester county public safety emergency force, when activated by the commissioner of public safety/sheriff of the county of Westchester.
58. Uniformed members of the security force of the Troy housing authority.
59. Officers and members of the sanitation police of the department of sanitation of the city of New York, duly appointed and designated as peace officers by such department. Provided, further, that nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to apply to officers and members of the sanitation police regularly and exclusively assigned to enforcement of such city's residential recycling laws. (New York City Department of Sanitation Police
New York City Department of Sanitation Police
The New York City Department of Sanitation Police is the law enforcement arm of the New York City Department of Sanitation...
)
- There are 2 sub 61s
61. Chief fire marshall, assistant chief fire marshall, fire marshall II and fire marshall I, all of whom are full-time employees of the Suffolk county department of fire, rescue and emergency services, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
61. Investigators employed by the criminal investigations bureau when assigned to such bureau by the superintendent of banks and acting pursuant to their special duties as set forth in article two-B of the banking law.
- There are 2 sub 62s
62. Chief fire marshall, assistant chief fire marshall, fire marshall II and fire marshall I, all of whom are full-time employees of the town of Babylon, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
62. Employees of the division for youth assigned to transport and warrants units who are specifically designated by the director in accordance with section five hundred four-b of the executive law.
- There are 2 sub 63s
63. Uniformed members of the fire marshal's office in the town of Southampton and the town of Riverhead, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
63. Employees of the town court of the town of Greenburgh serving as a security officer.
64. Cell block attendants employed by the city of Buffalo police department.
65. Chief fire marshal, assistant chief fire marshall, fire marshal II and fire marshal I, all of whom are full-time employees of the town of Brookhaven, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
66. Employees of the village court of the village of Spring Valley serving as security officers at such village court.
67. Employees of the town court of the town of Putnam Valley serving as a security officer.
- There are 5 sub 68s
68. The state inspector general and investigators designated by the state inspector general.
68. Dog control officers of the town of Arcadia, who at the discretion of the town board may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of such law.
68. Employees appointed by the sheriff of Livingston county, when acting pursuant to their special duties serving as uniformed marine patrol officers.
68. Employees of the town court of the town of Southampton serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
68. Persons employed by the Chautauqua county sheriff's office serving as court security officers.
69. Employees of the village court of the village of Amityville serving as uniformed court officers at such village court.
70. Employees appointed by the sheriff of Yates county, pursuant to their special duties serving as uniformed marine patrol officers.
71. Town of Smithtown fire marshals when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
72. Persons employed by Canisius college as members of the security force of such college.
73. Employees of the town court of the town of Newburgh serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
- There are 4 sub 74s
74. Parks and recreation forest rangers employed by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation. (New York State Forest Rangers
New York State Forest Rangers
The New York State Forest Rangers are law enforcement officials of the Division of Forest Protection of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation...
)
74. Employees of the village court of the village of Quogue, town of Southampton serving as uniformed court officers at such village court.
74. Employees of the town court of the town of East Hampton serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
- There are 3 sub 75s
75. Dog control officers of the town of Clarence, who at the discretion of the town board may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of the agriculture and markets law.
75. Airport security guards, senior airport security guards, airport security supervisors, retired police officers, and supervisors of same, who are designated by resolution of the town board of the town of Islip to provide security at Long Island MacArthur Airport when acting pursuant to their duties as such, and such authority being specifically limited to the grounds of the said airport.
75. Officers and members of the fire investigation unit of the fire department of the city of Buffalo when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
- There are 2 sub 76s
76. Employees of the village court of the village of Southampton, town of Southampton serving as uniformed court officers at such village court.
76. Animal control officers employed by the city of Peekskill.
- There are 2 sub 77s
77. Chief fire marshal, assistant chief fire marshal, and fire marshals, all of whom are full-time employees of the town of East Hampton, when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, the extinguishment thereof and fire perils.
78. A security officer employed by a community college who is specifically designated as a peace officer by the board of trustees of a community college pursuant to subdivision five-a of section sixty-three hundred six of the education law, or by a community college regional board of trustees pursuant to subdivision four-a of section sixty-three hundred ten of the education law.
- There are 4 sub 79s
79. Court security officers employed by the Wayne county sheriff's office.
79. Supervisors and members of the arson investigation bureau and fire inspection bureau of the department of state's office of fire prevention and control when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to fires, their prevention, extinguishment, investigation thereof, and fire perils.
79. Peace officers appointed by the city university of New York pursuant to subdivision sixteen of section sixty-two hundred six of the education law, who shall have the powers set forth in section 2.20 of this article whether or not they are acting pursuant to their special duties. (City University of New York Public Safety Department
City University of New York Public Safety Department
The City University of New York Public Safety Department is the fifth largest law enforcement agency in New York City whose duties are to protect all campuses owned by the City University of New York and to enforce state and city laws on and off campus grounds 24 hours a day 7 days a week...
)
79. Animal control officers of the city of Elmira, who at the discretion of the city council of the city of Elmira may be designated as constables for the purpose of enforcing article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law, and for the purpose of issuing appearance tickets permitted under article seven of such law.
80. Employees of the Onondaga county sheriff's department serving as uniformed court security officers at Onondaga county court facilities.
- There are 6 sub 81s
81. Members of the Hospital Police Department employed by the Erie County Medical Center.
81. Employees of the town of Riverhead serving as court officers at town of Riverhead court facilities.
81. Employees of the town court of the town of Southold serving as uniformed court officers at such town court.
81. Commissioners of and court officers in the department of public safety for the town of Rye when acting pursuant to their special duties in matters arising under the laws relating to maintaining the safety and security of citizens, judges and court personnel in the town court, and effecting the safe and secure transport of persons under the custody of said department.
81. Employees of the town of Yorktown serving as court attendants at town of Yorktown court facilities.
81. Employees of the Lewis county sheriff's department serving as uniformed court security officers at Lewis county court facilities.
82. Employees of the New York city business integrity commission designated as peace officers by the chairperson of such commission
Federal law enforcement officers
The federal law enforcement officers listed below have the following powers:- the power to make warrantless arrests pursuant to section 140.25
- the power to use physical force and deadly physical force in making an arrest or preventing an escape pursuant to section 35.30 of the penal law.
- the power to carry out warrantless searches whenever such searches are constitutionally permissible and acting pursuant to their special duties.
- the power to possess and take custody of firearms not owned by the peace officer, for the purpose of disposing, guarding, or any other lawful purpose, consistent with their duties as a peace officer.
But most of them cannot make arrests:
- if acting pursuant to his special duties, for a crime when he has reasonable cause to believe that such person has committed such crime, whether in his presence or otherwise
- if they are not acting pursuant to their duties within their geographical area of employment, for a felony when they have reasonable cause to believe that such person has committed such felony, whether in their presence or otherwise.
Exceptions apply, marked below in bold.
1. Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is an agency of the United States Department of Justice that serves as both a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency . The FBI has investigative jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crime...
special agents.
2. United States Secret Service
United States Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is a United States federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The sworn members are divided among the Special Agents and the Uniformed Division. Until March 1, 2003, the Service was part of the United States...
special agents.
3. Immigration and Naturalization Service
Immigration and Naturalization Service
The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service , now referred to as Legacy INS, ceased to exist under that name on March 1, 2003, when most of its functions were transferred from the Department of Justice to three new components within the newly created Department of Homeland Security, as...
immigration inspectors, special agents, patrol officers and deportation officers.
4. United States Marshals and Marshals Service deputies.
5. Drug Enforcement Administration
Drug Enforcement Administration
The Drug Enforcement Administration is a federal law enforcement agency under the United States Department of Justice, tasked with combating drug smuggling and use within the United States...
special agents.
6. Federal Protective Officers
Federal Protective Service
Federal Protective Service may refer to:*Federal Protective Service , responsible for the security of Federal buildings*Federal Protective Service , the successor of the KGB Ninth Chief Directorate, now an independent organization...
.
7. United States Customs Service
United States Customs Service
Until March 2003, the United States Customs Service was an agency of the U.S. federal government that collected import tariffs and performed other selected border security duties.Before it was rolled into form part of the U.S...
special agents, inspectors and patrol officers.
8. United States Postal Service police officers and inspectors.
10. United States probation officers.
11. United States General Services Administration special agents.
12. United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food...
special agents.
13. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms special agents.
14. Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service is the revenue service of the United States federal government. The agency is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, and is under the immediate direction of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue...
special agents and inspectors.
15. Officers of the United States bureau of prisons
Federal Bureau of Prisons
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is a federal law enforcement agency subdivision of the United States Department of Justice and is responsible for the administration of the federal prison system. The system also handles prisoners who committed acts considered felonies under the District of Columbia's...
.
16. United States Fish and Wildlife
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is a federal government agency within the United States Department of the Interior dedicated to the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats...
special agents.
17. United States Naval Investigative Service special agents.
18. United States Department of State
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
special agents.
19. Special agents of the defense criminal investigative service
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is the criminal investigative arm of the Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense...
of the United States department of defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
.
20. United States Department of Commerce
United States Department of Commerce
The United States Department of Commerce is the Cabinet department of the United States government concerned with promoting economic growth. It was originally created as the United States Department of Commerce and Labor on February 14, 1903...
, Office of Export Enforcement
Office of Export Enforcement
The Office of Export Enforcement is a part of the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.The office's introduction is as follows:...
, special agents.
21. United States Department of Veterans Administration
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States government’s second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense...
police officers employed at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Batavia. (United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police is the uniformed police service of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, responsible for the protection of the VA Medical Centers and other facilities operated by United States Department of Veterans Affairs and its subsidiary...
)
22. Federal Reserve law enforcement officers.
23. Federal air marshal program special agents.
- NB There are 2 sb 24s
24. United States Coast Guard Investigative Service
Coast Guard Investigative Service
The Coast Guard Investigative Service is a division of the United States Coast Guard that investigates crimes where the Coast Guard has an interest...
special agents.
25. United States Department of Commerce, special agents and enforcement officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , pronounced , like "noah", is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce focused on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere...
's Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement.
26. Department of the Army special agents, detectives and police officers.
27. United States Department of Interior, park rangers with law enforcement authority.
Watershed protection and enforcement officers; powers, duties, jurisdiction for arrests
Watershed protection and enforcement officers appointed by the city of PeekskillPeekskill, New York
Peekskill is a city in Westchester County, New York. It is situated on a bay along the east side of the Hudson River, across from Jones Point.This community was known to be an early American industrial center, primarily for its iron plow and stove products...
shall have the powers set forth in paragraphs a, b, c, f, g and h listed below, and complete standard peace officer training.
The city of Peekskill may appoint the following persons as watershed protection and enforcement officers:
- the water superintendent,
- the deputy assistant to the water superintendent, and
- the watershed inspector or inspectors.
The duties of the watershed protection and enforcement officers shall be to enforce those provisions of the environmental conservation law and the penal law which relate to the contamination of water in those areas of the Hollow Brook watershed located within the city of Peekskill, including its reservoirs, shoreline, and tributaries, and those areas of the Hollow Brook watershed and Wiccopee reservoir located outside of the city of Peekskill in the counties of Putnam
Putnam County, New York
Putnam County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, in the lower Hudson River Valley. Putnam county formed in 1812, when it detached from Dutchess County. , the population was 99,710. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. The county seat is the hamlet of Carmel...
and Westchester
Westchester County, New York
Westchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. Westchester covers an area of and has a population of 949,113 according to the 2010 Census, residing in 45 municipalities...
, including its reservoirs, shoreline, and tributaries.
Watershed protection and enforcement officers are authorized to make arrests and issue appearance tickets in those areas of the Hollow Brook watershed and Wiccopee reservoir located outside of the city of Peekskill in the counties of Putnam and Westchester, including along its reservoirs, shoreline, and tributaries.
Powers of peace officers
Peace officers have the following powers:(a) The power to make warrantless arrest
Arrest
An arrest is the act of depriving a person of his or her liberty usually in relation to the purported investigation and prevention of crime and presenting into the criminal justice system or harm to oneself or others...
s pursuant to section 140.25 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
(b) The power to use physical force and deadly physical force
Deadly force
Deadly force, as defined by the United States Armed Forces, is the force which a person uses, causing—or that a person knows, or should know, would create a substantial risk of causing—death or serious bodily harm...
in making an arrest or preventing an escape pursuant to section 35.30 of the Penal Law.
(c) The power to carry out warrantless search
Search and seizure
Search and seizure is a legal procedure used in many civil law and common law legal systems whereby police or other authorities and their agents, who suspect that a crime has been committed, do a search of a person's property and confiscate any relevant evidence to the crime.Some countries have...
es whenever such searches are constitutionally permissible and acting pursuant to their special duties.
(d) The power to issue appearance tickets pursuant to subdivision 3 of section 150.20 of the Criminal Procedure Law, when acting pursuant to their special duties. New York city special patrolmen shall have the power to issue an appearance ticket only when it is pursuant to rules and regulations of the police commissioner of the city of New York.
(e) The power to issue uniform appearance tickets pursuant to article 27 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law and to issue simplified traffic informations pursuant to section 100.25 of this chapter and section 207 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
(f) The power to issue a uniform navigation summons and/or complaint pursuant to section 19 of the Navigation Law whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
(g) The power to issue uniform appearance tickets pursuant to article 71 of the Environmental Conservation Law, whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
(h) The power to possess and take custody of firearms not owned by the peace officer, for the purpose of disposing, guarding, or any other lawful purpose, consistent with his duties as a peace officer.
(i) Any other power which a particular peace officer is otherwise authorized to exercise by any general, special or local law or charter whenever acting pursuant to his special duties, provided such power is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Penal Law or the Criminal Procedure Law.
(j) Uniformed court officers shall have the power to issue traffic summonses and complaints for parking, standing, or stopping violations pursuant to the Vehicle and Traffic Law whenever acting pursuant to their special duties.
For the purposes of this section a peace officer acts pursuant to his special duties when he performs the duties of his office, pursuant to the specialized nature of his particular employment, whereby he is required or authorized to enforce any general, special or local law or charter, rule, regulation, judgment or order.
A peace officer, whether or not acting pursuant to his special duties, who lawfully exercises any of the powers conferred upon him pursuant to this section, shall be deemed to be acting within the scope of his public employment for purposes of defense and indemnification rights and benefits that he may be otherwise entitled to under the provisions of section 50K of the General Municipal Law, sections 17 or 18 of the Public Officers Law, or any other applicable section of law.
Firearms
Most police officers in New York are armed and allowed to carry a firearm both on and off duty through their employment. However, some police agencies do not allow their police officers to carry through their employment, meaning they can't carry a firearm on duty and if they want a firearm for off duty use, they must apply for a permit in order to buy one. One agency that doesn't allow their police officers to carry firearms through their employment is the New York State Bridge Authority Police, who doesn't arm their officers due to Bridge Authority policy.Many peace officers in New York are armed and allowed to carry a firearm both on and off duty through their employment, however many peace officers are not allowed to carry a firearm through their employment, meaning they can't carry a firearm on duty and if they want a firearm for off duty use, they must apply for a permit in order to buy one. Each agency decides whether their officers will be allowed to carry a firearm through their employment or not. Some agencies that do allow their peace officers to carry a firearm through their employment include the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police, New York City Department of Correction
New York City Department of Correction
The New York City Department of Correction is responsible for New York City's inmates, housing the majority of them on Rikers Island. It employs 9,500 uniformed officers and 1,400 civilian staff, has 543 vehicles, and processes over 100,000 new inmates every year, retaining a population of inmates...
, and the New York State Court System
New York State Court Officers
New York State Court Officers are law enforcement officers who provide police services to the New York State Unified Court System, and enforce state and city laws at all facilities operated by the New York State Unified Court System.- Training :...
. Some agencies that do not allow their officers to carry a firearm through their employment include the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department
Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department
The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department is a law enforcement agency in New York City whose duties are to patrol Roosevelt Island, New York, Manhattan Tram Plaza, Roosevelt Island F-Train Station because of the contract New York State made with New York City in 1968 which gave New York State...
, New York City Department of Health and Hospitals Police
New York City Department of Health and Hospitals Police
The New York City Department of Health and Hospitals Police is a law enforcement agency in New York City that's duties are to provide police and security services to hospitals operated by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation , and to enforce state and city laws at hospitals operated...
, New York City Department of Homeless Services Police
New York City Department of Homeless Services Police
The New York City Department of Homeless Services Police is a law enforcement agency in New York City whose duties are to provide police services to the New York City Department of Homeless Services , and to enforce state and city laws at all facilities operated by the New York City Department of...
, and the New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol
New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation maintains a specialized unit of full time and seasonal uniformed peace officers who enforce department rules and regulations, as well as New York State laws within the jurisdiction of New York City parks. Established in 1981, NYC Parks...
. Agencies can also allow their peace officers to carry a firearm through their employment on duty only, and can not carry a department issued firearm off duty. In this case, the officer can carry the firearm while on duty, however when they go off duty, they must either give the firearm to a supervisor, fellow officer who is on duty, or lock it up in a locker at the department. If these officers want a firearm for off duty use, they must apply for a permit to purchase one. One agency that does this is the Co-op City Department of Public Safety
Co-op City Department of Public Safety
The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is a security police force in the Bronx borough of New York City whose duties are to protect the property and citizens of Co-op City, and to enforce state and city laws on Co-op City property...
.
Equipment
The equipment carried by police officers and peace officers are practically the same with possible minor differences between departments. Most officers carry a batonBaton (law enforcement)
A truncheon or baton is essentially a club of less than arm's length made of wood, plastic, or metal...
, can of pepper spray
Pepper spray
Pepper spray, also known as OC spray , OC gas, and capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent that is used in riot control, crowd control and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears...
, pair of handcuffs, a whistle
Whistle
A whistle or call is a simple aerophone, an instrument which produces sound from a stream of forced air. It may be mouth-operated, or powered by air pressure, steam, or other means...
, a flashlight
Flashlight
A flashlight is a hand-held electric-powered light source. Usually the light source is a small incandescent lightbulb or light-emitting diode...
, and a portable radio. Officers who are armed on duty also carry their firearm. However, some differences can include the brand and strength of pepper spray, type and brand of baton, type and brand of handcuffs, and for armed officers, type and brand of firearm and ammo. In addition, certain agencies allow their officers to carry other equipment, such as tasers. However, different agencies can also allow/ban certain equipment carried by officers. For example, NYPD Auxiliary Police
NYPD Auxiliary Police
The New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police is an unpaid, unarmed reserve police force which is a subdivision of the Patrol Services Bureau of the New York City Police Department. Auxiliary Police officers assist the NYPD with uniformed patrols and provide traffic and crowd control at...
officers are only equipped with a baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and whistle, while NYPD School Safety Agents
New York City Police Department School Safety Division
The New York City Police Department School Safety Division is the school police force for New York City Department of Education schools. The agency is a division of the New York City Police Department, and is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in New York City and the United States with...
only carry handcuffs, a flashlight, and a whistle.
Uniform
Uniforms worn by police officers and peace officers can differ from agency to agency. Most police and peace officers wear a uniform that has a dark blue shirt and dark blue pants with black boots or shoes. Another popular uniform worn by officers has a light blue shirt with dark blue pants with black boots or shoes. However, there are other colors and types of uniforms worn by officers, including grey, green, and black shirts and grey, green, and black pants. Also, most officers wear a hat when on duty. The hats worn by officers differ in shape, size, type, brand, and color, ranging from a traditional eight-point cap to stetsons to a baseball style cap. In addition, officers in certain specialized units in departments may wear a different style uniform compared to the uniform worn by patrol officers. For example, NYPD Highway Patrol officers wear a uniform that consists of tapered motorcycle breeches with a uniform-width blue stripe, as well as a "crushed"-style version of the NYPD's eight-point cap or a two-toned motorcycle helmet, compared to the dark blue shirt, dark blue pants with black boots or shoes uniform worn by patrol officers. A major piece of the police uniform is the badgeBadge
A badge is a device or fashion accessory, often containing the insignia of an organization, which is presented or displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath , a sign of legitimate employment or student status, or as a simple...
, which is usually worn on the left or right chest of the shirt or jacket. The shape and color of badges differ between rank and department. For example, NYPD police officers wear a shield shaped badge in silver, and other rank officers have different shape and color badges. Sergeants and above have gold badges with each rank having a different shape badge, and detectives wear an almost round badge.
Training
The amount and type of training given to police officers and peace officers differs between agencies. The requirement of training for police officers is a minimum of 635 hours, the requirement for full time peace officers is a minimum of 35 hours of training, and the requirement for part time peace officers is a minimum of 10 hours of training. However, each agency can give their officers as much training as they want as long as it meets the minimum requirement. For example, New York State PoliceNew York State Police
The New York State Police is the state police force of over 4,600 sworn Troopers for the state of New York. It was established on April 11, 1917 by the New York Legislature, in response to the 1913 murder of a construction foreman named Sam Howell in Westchester County, which at that time did not...
troopers go through more than 700 hours of training, exceeding the minimum requirement of 635 hours of training for police officers, NYPD Auxiliary Police
NYPD Auxiliary Police
The New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police is an unpaid, unarmed reserve police force which is a subdivision of the Patrol Services Bureau of the New York City Police Department. Auxiliary Police officers assist the NYPD with uniformed patrols and provide traffic and crowd control at...
officers go through 54 hours of training, exceeding the minimum requirement of 10 hours of training for part time peace officers, and Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police Bridge and Tunnel officers go through more than 500 hours of training, exceeding the minimum requirement of 35 hours of training for full time peace officers. All training courses for police and peace officers include training in criminal law, police science, powers they have, what they can and can't do, some physical training, arrest procedures, how to properly make arrests, and how to properly use their equipment. Officers who are armed must be trained with their firearm before they can carry it, and must re qualify yearly. Agencies may also give their officers additional types of training such as homeland security training, emergency vehicle operation training, pursuit training, radar training, accident investigation training, and more.