Overview
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.
Appearance
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.
Grooming
New York State Troopers must have a clean and professional appearance. The following guidelines must be adhered to while employed by the Division of State Police.
Hair must be neatly groomed so it does not fall over your eyebrows, your ears, or touch your shirt collar, except for the closely‑cut hair at the back of your neck. The bulk or length of hair must not interfere with the wearing of any uniform headgear, including emergency equipment. The wearing of hair ornaments, ribbons, or earrings is not permitted.
Any sideburns must be kept neatly trimmed. Mutton‑chop or flared sideburns are not permitted. The base of your sideburns must be clean‑shaven on a horizontal line. The base may not extend below the lowest part of your exterior ear opening.
Your face must be clean‑shaven as to not interfere with the wearing of any emergency equipment.
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.
Curriculum
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.