New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police
| New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Operational structure | |
| Sworn members | 4,503 |
The New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police is an unpaid volunteer police force which acts as a unit of the New York City Police Department. Over 4,500 men and women contribute over one million hours of community service each year. The Auxiliary Police Officers assist the Police Department with uniformed patrols and provide crowd and vehicular control at accident and fire scenes. Although volunteers, Auxiliary Police Officers are city employees while on duty.
Ranks of the NYPD Auxiliary Police
There are seven titles (referred to as ranks) in the New York Police Department Auxiliary Police:
| Title | Insignia |
|---|---|
| Auxiliary Deputy Chief | |
| Auxiliary Inspector |  |
| Auxiliary Deputy Inspector | |
| Auxiliary Captain |  |
| Auxiliary Lieutenant |  |
| Auxiliary Sergeant |  |
| Auxiliary Police Officer | None |
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
Auxiliary Police Officers must pass a 16-week Auxiliary Police Basic training course which is classified as a Part Time Peace Officer training required by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council. This training includes penal law, radio use, unarmed self defense, first aid, use of a police baton and arrest procedures. A written and physical exam is given at the end of training. Upon the completion of the basic training course, probationary Auxiliary Police officers are issued their shield and police identification card along with their nightstick and initial uniform. They 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.
All Auxiliary Police Officers are required by New York State to pass an annual refresher course in the use of force with the nightstick, arrest procedures, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
Laws Regarding Auxiliary Police
- Auxiliary Police Officers may carry and use Nightsticks 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 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
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 patrol cars, on foot and on bicycle. The squad cars - known as RMPs or Radio Motor Patrols - are dark blue (newer vehicles are black), in contrast to the RMPs of regular officers, which are white with light blue letters and numbering.
Auxiliary Police officers wear virtually the same uniform as regular officers, and are equipped with police radios (directly linked to the Central Dispatcher and regular officers), flashlights, whistles, handcuffs, and nightsticks. Their badge is a seven point star, in contrast to the NYPD's shield.
Auxiliary Police officers in New York City are not allowed to carry a gun at any time on duty, even if independently licensed to carry a gun. Outside New York City, some police departments do allow their Auxiliary Police officers to carry a firearm.
Auxiliary Police officers patrol presence and keen observation 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.
The Role of the APO
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 only when a serious crime (Felony or Misdemeanor) is committed in their presence
- 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 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 Patrol Areas which are divided into "Foot Posts". RMP and Bike Patrol are also performed.
Housing (PSA) Precinct Patrol: 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 are Patrol Areas which are divided into "Foot Posts". RMP and Bike Patrol are also performed.
Transit Division Precinct Patrol: Officers Patrol their respective Transit District precinct. When performing foot patrol, the area of the precinct that the officer patrols is Patrol Areas 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 precincts known as Districts or Bureaus and carry Transit portable radios. Unlike a precinct, the transit districts cover miles of underground subway. 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)/platforms which they are assigned to, taking note of any suspicious occurrences, and set up a fixed post at the subway turnstiles, or token booths. Transit Auxiliary Cops 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 Auxiliaries can respond to medical emergencies if they are close to that subway station. The main function of NYPD Transit Auxiliary Police, like the NYPD Transit Police, is to always stay within the subway system.
Being a specialized unit, some Transit Auxiliary Police Officers are "track certified" by the MTA, training which is provided by their Transit District. Transit Auxiliary Police Officers currently are working on having training with the "Gas Mask" which is also known as NYPD Counter-Terrorism Training by the NYPD Transit Bureau. Transit Auxiliary Police give the extra needed police presence during rush hour times in the morning and evening. Transit Districts also have Auxiliary School Conditions Officers that patrol the subway stations which are located near public/private schools during students' arrival and departure hours. Transit Auxiliary School Conditions Officers get to know the students and faculty members within schools along their District's subway lines. Transit Auxiliaries also work with the Crime Prevention Officer by "hitting" or going to stations with a rise in crime-rates by handing out Crime Prevention material to the public, and assisting in etching electronic devices.
A Transit Auxiliary Police Graffiti Unit has been recently activated. After completing a training course provided by the Transit Vandals Squad, Transit Auxiliary Cops provide police presence and patrol subway stations that are constantly being vandalized. There is also a Transit Auxiliary Rapid response team. This team has a certain number of Transit Auxiliary Police Officers from each Transit District that can mobilize at a moments notice during an imminent terrorist threat or disaster. [1] [2]
Specialized Auxiliary Police Units
APSU (Auxiliary Patrol Support Unit): Auxiliary version of the NYPD ESU (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 standard precinct Auxiliary Patrol units, this unit patrols their entire respective patrol borough covering multiple precincts.
Highway Patrol: Officers mainly 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. Auxiliary Police Officers must have had at least 5 years in the Auxiliary Program before being considered to be taken into the unit, and must be qualified to operate all Highway Patrol cars and motorcycles. See article: New York City Police Department Highway Patrol
STU (Special Task Unit): 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 Section) 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.
NYPD Auxiliary Patrol and Patrol 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 and newer ones black instead of standard NYPD white.
- Van (15 passenger; Used for routine patrol and officer transport) - Older vans are painted dark blue and newer ones black instead of standard NYPD white.
- Ford Rescue/Equipment (REP) Truck (Used by APSU unit; 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 vehicles are retired police vehicles that were once used by regular officers. Once the vehicles attain a certain amount of mileage on them, the vehicle is taken out of service, and is either repainted and given to a precinct or command for Auxiliary officers, or is sold. APSU rescue trucks are retired ESU trucks. The only exception to this is for the Auxiliary Highway Patrol Unit, who use regular officers vehicles with a AUXILIARY decal affixed to the rear fender or rear side door. Most command's only have 1 Auxiliary patrol vehicle, but some have 2 or even 3. The amount of vehicles per command is based on how many Auxiliary officers are working there and how many extra vehicles the NYPD has available. Commands that have APSU units not only have the patrol vehicles, but the rescue trucks and the passenger vans. The Highway Patrol units usually have the most vehicles assigned to them as Auxiliary Highway Patrol Officers use regular officers Highway Patrol vehicles as long as there is an AUXILIARY decal affixed to it. It should also be noted that precinct patrol, transit patrol, housing patrol, and APSU vehicles are painted dark blue(and the newer ones black) to distinguish themselves from regular officers, whos cars are painted white. The only officers who use white vehicles are Auxiliary officers in the Highway Patrol Unit, who use regular officers vehicles with a AUXILIARY decal affixed to the rear fender or rear side door.
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. Indeed, they are instructed to never "chase" after suspects, especially if they are considered to be armed. Although they are equipped with nightsticks, they are told that their most powerful weapon is the police radio, which allows them to call for back-up or regular 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. [3] According to the New York Times, this is the first time NYPD Auxiliary Police Officers have been 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 27th, 2007 the City Council approved this bill, which will have all Auxiliary officers equipped with vests in less than nine months.[4]Currently, all 4,500 Auxiliaries are on a loaner vest program, ensuring no one goes on patrol without a Level IIIA vest with side panels.
It is notable that other Auxiliary officers in the State of New York do carry firearms, and some are even required to. The Auxiliary program is authorized under NYS law to carry firearms and it is only NYPD policy that prevents NYPD Auxiliaries from carrying a gun on duty.
Line of Duty Deaths
| Officer's Name | End Of Watch | Cause Of Death |
|---|---|---|
| A/SGT David Freed | Sunday, August 31, 1975 | Assault |
| A/SGT Noel R. T. Faide | Sunday, January 29, 1989 | Vehicular Assault |
| A/SGT Larry L. Cohen | Sunday, January 29, 1989 | Vehicular Assault |
| A/PO Armando Rosario | Wednesday, March 25, 1992 | Gunfire |
| A/PO Milton S. Clarke | Wednesday, December 1, 1993 | Gunfire |
| A/PO Nicholas T. Pekearo | Wednesday, March 14, 2007 | Gunfire |
| A/PO Yevgeniy (Eugene) Marshalik | Wednesday, March 14, 2007 | 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 cop went out for breakfast with a few friends when a man accused a woman with the officer of stealing a cell phone. A dispute ensured and the man shot the Auxiliary cop once in the face. The 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, cops said. After both vehicles pulled over, Soto got out and allegedly punched the Auxiliary Officer who called police. Soto then yelled for help and Felix Gonzalez approached and allegedly struck the Auxiliary cop. Police arrested both suspects.[2]
See also
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List of law enforcement agencies in New York
References
- ^ http://www.nycapba.org/(Auxiliary Police Benevolent Association)
- ^ Volunteer Rail Patrols(New York Post Archives)
- ^ Two auxiliary officers killed in Village shootout (ABC 7)
- ^ Vests on way for auxiliaries (Daily News)