Academy Life

The Academy services approximately 14,000 persons a year. While many of these are troopers, including recruits learning the basics and veteran sworn members receiving specialized in-service training, several thousand others come from other segments of the criminal justice community.

Recruits wear conservative business attire for several weeks until fatigue uniforms are issued. Recruits must report in rubber-soled black oxford shoes, which can be shined to a high gloss. Patent leather is unacceptable.

Academy shorts and T-Shirts are purchased upon arrival. Recruits must bring plain white athletic socks and cold weather running gear.

The State Police has a specific, military-style regimen. Recruits are required to arrive at the Academy in a state of compliance with these standards:

• All male recruits' hair must be neatly groomed and tapered. Hair will not fall over the ears or eyebrows, or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. Square and round back styles are unacceptable. The bulk or length of hair must not interfere with the normal wearing of all emergency or NYSP headgear.
• Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and will not be of the muttonchops or flared types. The base of the sideburns will be clean-shaven on a horizontal line not to extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening.
• While at the Academy, recruits will not be allowed to have facial hair.
• Female recruits must have their hair neatly groomed, arranged and styled so its bulk or length will not interfere with the normal wearing of all emergency or NYSP headgear. The hair shall be worn in such a manner that it does not extend below the top of the uniform collar. Hair ornaments, ribbons or earrings will not be worn. Pins, combs or barrettes similar in color to the individual's hair may be worn, but will be concealed as much as possible. The use of cosmetics is not permitted.

Information on the NYSP website is presented as a community service. Reproductions of information or images taken from the NYSP website must be used for the sole purpose of supplying information

Recruits must successfully complete 1,095 hours of training at the New York State Police Academy.

Police Orientation

Orientation and Administration
Rules and Regulations
Introduction to Law Enforcement and Government

Police Skills

Physical Training/Defensive Tactics
First Responder
Emergency Vehicle Operators Course
Firearms

Police Science

Penal Law
Criminal Procedure Law
Criminal Investigations
Selected Laws
Vehicle and Traffic Law
Domestic Violence
Constitutional Law
Use of Deadly Physical Force

Police Operations

Station Operations
Patrol and Emergency Operations
Arrest
Physical Evidence
DWI Enforcement
Speed Enforcement
Accident Investigation
Public and Human Relations

Police/Public Interaction

Professional Interaction
Cultural Diversity
Sexual Harassment
Mental Health/Crisis Intervention Skills