At the end of 2019, then-Governor Cuomo signed an executive order that attempted a takeover of the Park Police by the State Police, eliminating transfers and promotions for Park Police Officers. Since then, more than two hundred Park Police Officers have left for better pay, benefits, and treatment, including thirty-two of the thirty-nine officers trained by the state in the last academy, which was held in the spring of 2019. This decrease in staffing has a dangerous effect on the safety and well-being of the millions of people who use New York’s 250+ park sites each year.

New York State Park Police officers receive specialized training during an intensive six month academy, which prepares them to be immediately available to respond to complex, dangerous rescues.  They receive training to use all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and boats. They are trained in de-escalation, dealing with emotionally disturbed people, and non-confrontational community policing. In addition, they have comprehensive knowledge of the parks in which they serve, with the largest of these parks spanning 65,000 square miles. 

It is clear that the intent of Cuomo's order was to eliminate the Park Police Agency and replace officers with civilian rangers who are paid on an hourly basis. These civilians will lack the specialized training necessary to deal with severe medical emergencies, people lost within the park, personal injury accidents, fights, violent crimes, sexual offenses, emotionally disturbed people (some of whom attempt to take their own lives), and situations involving wildlife. Last year alone, State Park Police intervened in thirty-three mental health crises in just the Niagara Falls Park.

If anyone suffers a serious accident within one of New York’s parks, a first responder who may be unfamiliar with the park will be called from outside the park. The longer response time could have serious consequences. We urge Governor Hochul to support the rescinding of Cuomo's failed executive order. The NYS Park Policy agency needs to be built back up in order to protect and serve the millions of people who use the parks each year.