New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol

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New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol

Established	1981
Jurisdiction	New York City Department of Parks and Recreation-operated land, waterways and buildings
Sworn	Approx. 85 Full Time Officers 180 Seasonal Officers 60 Auxiliary Officers
Website	NYC Department of Parks Official Site

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 Enforcement Patrol Officers patrol on foot, horseback, patrol boat and in marked SUVs and Trucks. Park Enforcement Officers are responsible for protecting NYC Park Land, Waterways under the jurisdiction of the DPR, City owned monuments, and Public Pools. ^[1]

1 Staffing
2 Authority
3 Urban Park Rangers
4 Mounted Auxiliary Unit
5 See also
6 References

[edit] Staffing

As of 2003, the agency employed 85 full time Parks Enforcement Officers and an additional 180 Seasonal Enforcement Officers. ^[2]

[edit] Authority

Parks Enforcement Officers are classified as New York State Peace Officers under NYS Criminal Procedure Law, Section 2.10,^[3] and with the status as peace officers they may make warrantless arrests, use physical force, and issue tickets under section 2.20 of the same law.^[4]

[edit] Urban Park Rangers

NYC Urban Park Ranger patch

NYC Urban Park Rangers are a separate division within the Department, and although they do have arrest authority through NYC Special Patrolman Status, their primary function is public education and resource related issues unlike the Parks Enforcement Officers, who have a primary mission of Law Enforcement in the parks.

[edit] Mounted Auxiliary Unit

NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Auxiliary Unit is a volunteer unit within the Department. This unit is made up of private citizens who volunteer their time by working with officers of the Parks Enforcement Patrol. Auxiliary officers patrol in full uniform and on horseback in various NYC parks, and "ensure the preservation of the natural and living resources in the city's parks, as well as the safety of those utilizing the parks, by maintaining a clearly visible presence. They monitor areas that are not accessible by vehicle; they deter, identify and report illegal or unsafe activities that require Parks Enforcement Patrol or police attention; and they advise the public on park rules and regulations."^[5] Auxiliary officers do not have powers beyond a citizen, can not make arrests, and can not carry defensive weapons, such as a firearm, pepper spray, or baton. Auxiliary officers are not used for law enforcement purposes, and if an Auxiliary officer sees a crime in progress, or is told about a crime, they are told to call for police officers on their radio. In order to become Auxiliary officers, candidates must "undergo extensive training before going on patrol. Candidates for the unit must prove their riding skills and learn about PEP policies and procedures, use of radios and Parks rules and regulations before acceptance into the Unit and clearance to patrol."^[6]