New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police
| New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | NYPD Auxiliary |
| Motto | Fidelis ad Mortem Courtesy Professionalism Respect |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1950 |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | New York, New York, USA |
| Size | 1,214.4 km² |
| Population | 8,274,527 |
| Legal jurisdiction | New York City |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Officers | 4,500 |
| Police Commissioner responsible | |
| Agency executive |
|
| Units | List
|
| Boroughs | List
|
| Facilities | |
| Commands | 76 Precinct's
12 Transit District's 9 Housing Police Service Area's |
| Website | |
| Official Site | |
The New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police is an unpaid, unarmed reserve police force which is a subdivision of the New York City Police Department. Auxiliary Police Officers assist the Police Department with uniformed patrols and provide traffic and crowd control at vehicular accidents, fires, demonstrations and other major events. Over 4,500 men and women contribute over one million hours of community service each year.
Ranks
There are seven titles (referred to as ranks) in the New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police:
| Title | Insignia |
|---|---|
| Auxiliary Deputy Chief | |
| Auxiliary Inspector |  |
| Auxiliary Deputy Inspector |  |
| Auxiliary Captain |  |
| Auxiliary Lieutenant |  |
| Auxiliary Sergeant |  |
| Auxiliary Police Officer |  |
History
In 1950, the 81st Congress of the United States of America passed the Public Law #920, entitled “The Civil Defense Act of 1950” authorizing a Federal Civil Defense Program. In 1951, the New York State Legislature enacted the “Defense Emergency Act” requiring New York City to recruit, train, and equip volunteer Auxiliary Police Officers, who would assist the police department in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or other civil defense emergency.
State penal law provided Peace Officer status for the Auxiliary Police Officers during the event of an actual natural or manmade disaster or attack or during training drills. In 1967, a Mayoral Executive Order closed the Civil Defense Headquarters and placed full responsibility of the Auxiliary Police Program with the NYPD. During the 1960’s when crime was on the rise, uniformed Auxiliary Police patrols were an effective means to deter crime.
Training, Power, and Authority
Auxiliary Police Recruits must pass a 16-week "Auxiliary Police Basic Training Course" which is classified as "Part Time Peace Officer Training". Auxiliary Recruits are required by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council to undergo and pass this training course before they become Auxiliary Police Officers. The training given in this course includes training in penal law, police science, powers of a Peace Officer, radio use, unarmed self defense, self defense with a straight baton, first aid, and arrest procedures. In 2008, the NYPD revised the training course to include training in domestic violence and terrorism awareness. A written and physical exam is given at the end of training. Upon the completion of the Basic Training Course, the physical exam, and the written exam, probationary Auxiliary Police Officers are issued their shield and police identification card along with their baton and initial uniform allowance voucher.
All Auxiliary Police Officers are required by New York State to pass an annual refresher course in the use of force with the straight baton, arrest procedures, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
Auxiliary Police Officers are classified as Part-Time Peace Officers by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services-Municipal Police Training Council and are registered as peace officers in the NYS DCJS registry of peace officers.
Although volunteers, Auxiliary Police Officers are city employees while on duty and may be eligible for Workers' Compensation in the event of injury while on duty.
Laws
- Auxiliary Police Officers may carry and use straight batons under the authority of NYS penal Law 265.20 b.
- Auxiliary Police Officers may carry and use handcuff restraints both on and off duty in accordance with NYC Administrative Code 10-147
- Auxiliary Police Officers may physically detain violators of Misdemeanors and Felonies under the State of New York Civil Defense act Article # 8 Section # 105
- Auxiliary Police Officers injured while on duty are provided Workers Compensation under NYC Administrative Code Section 14-147 of chapter 1 of title 14
- Auxiliary Police Officers receive an annual uniform allowance in accordance with the NYC Admin Code Section 14-148
- Auxiliary Police Officers are included in the "fellow officer rule" and may make an arrest for a crime which was not committed in their presence based on information from a dispatcher or Police Officer heard over a police radio or from a Police Officer in person. (Authorized by case law: "THE PEOPLE &C., RESPONDENT, v. WILFREDO ROSARIO, APPELLANT)
Duties
Auxiliary Police officers duties fall into four broad categories:
- Daily patrol of assigned sectors within their respective precinct, transit district, housing area or specialized unit coverage area.
- Provide additional uniform police presence at parks, playgrounds, pools, street fairs, flea markets, block parties, shopping areas, subway entrances and exits, and school/church crossings.
- Assist with vehicular and pedestrian traffic at parades, marathons, concerts, intersections with broken traffic lights, accident scenes, and fire scenes.
- Assist in Precinct Identification Programs, Combat Auto Theft Program, Bicycle ID Program, Operation ID Program, Kid Care Program, and VIN Etching Program.
Auxiliary Police officers increase the public's perception of police "omnipresence" by patrolling in police cars, on foot and on bicycle. The police cars, known as RMPs or Radio Motor Patrols, are dark blue or black with white decals or white with light blue decals, in contrast to the RMPs of regular officers, which are white with light blue decals. Auxiliary Police officers wear virtually the same uniform as regular officers, and are equipped with straight batons, police radios (directly linked to the Central Dispatcher, other Auxiliary officers, and Regular officers), flashlights, whistles, handcuffs, and reflective traffic vests. Their badge is a seven point star, in contrast to the shield worn by regular officers.
Auxiliary Police officers in New York City are not permitted to carry a side arm at any time on duty, even if independently licensed to carry a firearm. In other jurisdictions within New York State, some police departments do allow their Auxiliary Police officers to carry a firearm.
Auxiliary Police officers patrol presence, observations and reporting of incidents requiring regular police response, as well as interacting with the public, are meant to aid in crime reduction and enhance relations between the community and the police.
Role of the Auxiliary Police Officer
Auxiliary Police Officers CAN:
- Assist at accident and fire scenes
- Assist with crowd control
- Assist with police paperwork
- Block off traffic at parades, accidents, fires, etc
- Perform traffic control at broken traffic lights, accidents, etc
- Make arrests when a crime (Felony or Misdemeanor) is committed in their presence
- Make an arrest for a crime which was not committed in their presence based on information from a dispatcher or Police Officer heard over a police radio or from a Police Officer in person. (Authorized by case law: "THE PEOPLE &C., RESPONDENT, v. WILFREDO ROSARIO, APPELLANT)"
- Assist with vehicle or VIP Escorts
- Give medical aid to anyone as long as they are certified and trained to do so
- Carry and use a police baton in the performance of their duties (NYS PL 265.20 b.)
- Carry and use handcuff restraints in the performance of their duties (NYC Admin Code 10-147)
Auxiliary Police Officers CANNOT:
- Make arrests for crimes not committed in their presence unless directed to do so by a regular police officer or a police dispatcher. In 1991 The New York State Court of Appeals "(THE PEOPLE &C., RESPONDENT, v. WILFREDO ROSARIO, APPELLANT)" determined that Auxiliary Police Officers are covered under the "fellow officer rule" and may detain or arrest a person based on information from a dispatcher or Police Officer heard over a police radio or from a Police Officer in person. They are authorized by New York State to make "warrentless" arrests, meaning they have arrest powers beyond that of a private citizen.
- Respond to calls involving any type of weapons or other life endangering conditions.
- Carry a firearm, unless they are regular police officers who are volunteering.
- Make traffic stops unless authorized to do so by competent police authority.
Standard Auxiliary Police Units
Precinct Patrol: Officers patrol their respective precinct. When performing foot patrol, the area of the precinct that the officer patrols is called a Patrol Area, which are divided into "Foot Posts". RMP and Bike Patrol are also performed.
Housing Bureau: Officers patrol their respective Housing (Police Service Area) precinct, mainly being a uniformed presence within the NYC housing projects. When performing foot patrol, the area of the precinct that the officer patrols is called Patrol Areas, which are divided into "Foot Posts". RMP and Bike Patrol are also performed.
Transit Bureau: Officers patrol their respective Transit District precinct. When performing foot patrol, the area of the precinct that the officer patrols is called a Patrol Area, which are divided into "Foot Posts". RMP Patrol is also performed.
Transit Auxiliary Police Officers
Two weeks after the 2005 London bombings, a new directive stated that New York City would institute a citywide transit auxiliary program with the intent of reducing crime and fighting terrorism in the city's transit system. Transit Auxiliaries work out of Transit Bureau precincts known as Districts and carry Transit portable radios. Unlike a precinct, the transit districts cover miles of underground subway. Transit Auxiliary Police Officers go through additional training by the Transit Bureau Vandals Squad as well as the Counter-Terrorism Division to build vandalism and terrorism awareness within the Transit System. Transit Auxiliaries are paired with either a regular Police Officer or Auxiliary Police Officer. Transit Auxiliary Police periodically perform inspections of the subway station(s) and platforms which they are assigned to, taking note of any suspicious occurrances, and set up a fixed post at the subway turnstiles, token booths, mezzanines, or platforms. Transit Auxiliary Officers also conduct subway train inspections as well as train runs to/from stations that which assignment is given. Due to the common medical emergency calls in Transit, if medically qualified, Transit Auxiliary Police Officers respond to medical emergencies if they are near to the transit location. The main function of the NYPD Transit Auxiliary Police, like the NYPD Transit Police, is to primarily remain within the subway system. [1] [2] [3]
Specialized Auxiliary Police Units
Auxiliary Patrol Support Unit (APSU): Auxiliary police version of the NYPD's Emergency Services Unit. Officers wear the same uniform as regular NYPD ESU officers. They assist regular ESU units involving jobs such as dangerous conditions, rescues, vehicle accidents, lockouts, blackouts, blocked roads, natural disasters and other non-tactical calls where ESU is needed. These units carry many specialized tools, generators, lighting and other necessary gear in their vehicles to assist with said jobs. This unit is able to monitor and transmit on both local precinct radio frequencies as well as the SOD (Special Operations Division) citywide frequency. Unlike precinct patrol Auxiliary units, this unit patrols their entire respective patrol borough covering multiple precincts. (As of September, 2007, this unit is suspended from patrols for unknown reasons, and it is unknown when and if this unit will be allowed to resume patrols.)
Highway Patrol: Officers patrol Highways, Parkways, and main Thoroughfares throughout the City of New York. Auxiliary Highway officers wear the same uniform as regular Highway officers and patrol in regular white RMP's, or on motorcycles with AUXILIARY decals on each side. All applicants to this Auxiliary unit are required to have a minimum of five years experience as a patrol officer with the NYPD Auxiliary Police before they will be considered for the job. In addition they must be qualified to operate Highway Patrol vehicles and motorcycles. See article: New York City Police Department Highway Patrol
Special Task Unit (STU): Officers patrol citywide to high crime area's all over the city that need special attention and extra patrol. However, more typical of this unit is traveling to other auxiliary precincts in Queens and Brooklyn during special events such as concerts, marathons, etc. to increase the police presence. They do not confine themselves to one location or precinct.
Harbor Unit: Officers patrol New York City's waterways. A marine background such as one obtained through the coast guard, military, or other marine background is required.
Undercover Vice Ops: Officers that have not reached the age of 20 years and 6 months old can be utilized to assist the NYPD Vice Unit for "Quality of Life enforcement" stings which address illegal alcohol, knife, and spray paint sales. Other than this exception, NYPD Auxiliary Police officers are never undercover (*unless authorized by the Police Commissioner or Commanding Officer of the Auxiliary Police) and always patrol in uniform. Officers who have received the necessary "Vice Training" may be used by their Command in non-hazardous surveillance with the supervision of regular police officers.
Auxiliary Patrol and Police Vehicles
Patrol is one of the most important duties Auxiliaries can perform. Various types of patrol's are possible within different precincts. Almost all precincts perform foot patrol. Other types of patrol include:
- RMP (Auxiliary Police Car) - Older cars are painted dark blue or black with white AUXILIARY decals and newer cars are painted white with light blue AUXILIARY decals.
- Van (15 passenger; Used for routine patrol and officer transport) - Older vans are painted dark blue or black with white AUXILIARY decals and newer cars are painted white with light blue AUXILIARY decals.
- Ford Rescue/Equipment (REP) Truck (Used by APSU unit's only; Equipped with rescue tools and other necessary equipment) - Older trucks are painted dark blue and newer ones black instead of standard NYPD white.
- Bicycle
- Police Golf Cart (Only used in Manhattan's Central Park Precinct)
In most cases, Auxiliary RMP's are retired RMP's that were once used by regular officers. Once the RMP attains a certain amount of mileage on it, it is taken out of service and is either repainted and redecaled and given to a command for the Auxiliary police, or is sold. APSU rescue trucks are retired ESU trucks. However, in 2008, the NYPD has started to phase in brand new police cars for the Auxiliary police. Most command's only have 1 Auxiliary RMP, but some have 2 or even 3. The amount of RMP's per command is based on how many Auxiliary officers are working there and how many extra RMP's the NYPD has available. Commands that have APSU units not only have the Auxiliary RMP's, but also the rescue trucks and the passenger vans. It should also be noted that all Auxiliary vehicle's are painted either dark blue or black with white AUXILIARY decals or white with light blue AUXILIARY decals to distinguish themselves from regular officers, who's cars are painted white.
Officers wishing to operate a Bicycle, RMP, or Van need special training before they are allowed to operate them. Training is done by the Police Academy Driver Training Unit (PADT) which is located at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. The golf cart, which is special to the Central Park Precinct, also needs special training to operate.
Auxiliary Police Officer Safety
The NYPD ensures the safety of its Auxiliary Police officers by requiring that they not pursue dangerous situations, but rather to remove themselves from such danger immediately. During training, recruits are repeatedly told that their purpose is to be the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department, and they are not required to enforce the law unless absolutely necessary. Although they are equipped with batons and handcuffs, they are told that their most powerful weapon is the police radio, which allows them to call for back-up officers to the scene. Auxiliary Police officers are not issued, nor are permitted to carry firearms while on duty, even if they are licensed gun owners.
There is still risk involved in being an Auxiliary officer. On March 14, 2007, two Auxiliary Police officers — Eugene Marshalik and Nicholas Pekearo — were killed in a shootout in Greenwich Village. [4] This was the first time NYPD Auxiliary Police officers were killed in the line of duty since 1993.
Up until March 26, 2007 the NYPD did not issue or subsidize ballistic vests to Auxiliary officers. But after the tragic shootings of Auxiliary Police officers Pekearo and Marshalik, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly have asked the New York City Council to earmark more than 3.3 million dollars to provide all Auxiliary Police officers with Level IIIA Vests, the same used by full-time officers. On March 27, 2007 the City Council approved this bill, which will have all Auxiliary officers equipped with vests in less than nine months.[5]
Line of Duty Deaths
Since the establishment of the New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police, 7 officers have died in the line of duty. [6]
| Officer's Name | End Of Watch | Cause Of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Sergeant David Freed | Assault | |
| Auxiliary Sergeant Noel R. T. Faide | Vehicular Assault | |
| Auxiliary Sergeant Larry L. Cohen | Vehicular Assault | |
| Auxiliary Police Officer Armando Rosario | Gunfire | |
| Auxiliary Police Officer Milton S. Clarke | Gunfire | |
| Auxiliary Police Officer Nicholas T. Pekearo | Gunfire | |
| Auxiliary Police Officer Yevgeniy (Eugene) Marshalik | Gunfire |
Off-Duty Incidents Involving Auxiliary Police Officers
- On June 21, 2007, an off-duty Auxiliary police officer was shot during a dispute at a Queens restaurant. According to police sources, the 25-year-old auxiliary officer went out for breakfast with a few friends when a man accused a woman with the officer of stealing a cell phone. A dispute ensued and the man shot the auxiliary officer once in the face. The auxiliary officer was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and released. So far, no arrests have been made.[1]
- On July 11, 2007, 2 road-rage suspects attacked an off-duty Auxiliary Police Officer. The trouble began at 11:30 a.m. as the off-duty auxiliary officer was driving on Saratoga Avenue at Marion Street in Brooklyn and swerved to avoid hitting a vehicle being driven by Samuel Soto. After that car cut off the auxiliary officer's truck, Soto tossed a bottle of orange juice at it. After both vehicles pulled over, Soto got out and allegedly punched the auxiliary officer, who then called police. Soto then yelled for help and Felix Gonzalez approached and allegedly struck the auxiliary officer. Police arrested both suspects.[2]
See also
- New York City Police Department
- New York City Police Department Highway Patrol
- List of law enforcement agencies in New York
References
- ^ http://www.nycapba.org/(Auxiliary Police Benevolent Association)
- ^ Volunteer Rail Patrols(New York Post Archives)
- ^ New York City Auxiliary Police PBA,A.P.S. DIRECTIVE # 7; 2005, Accessed August 29, 2007.
- ^ Two auxiliary officers killed in Village shootout (ABC 7)
- ^ Vests on way for auxiliaries (Daily News)
- ^ The Officer Down Memorial Page http://www.odmp.org/agency/2754-new-york-city-police-department---auxiliary-police-section-new-york