The New York State Park Police recently opened applications for park police officers for the state park system which will be accepted until Feb. 18, 2026.
The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation requires candidates to be at least 20 years of age at the time of hire and must not have passed their 43rd birthday as of Oct. 1, 2026. Candidates are also asked to have education and experience including 60 college semester credit hours completed by June 30,
2026; military service; or municipal police training. Learn more at parks.ny.gov/about/park-police/park-police-new-applicants.
“With updated guidelines and requirements, we are proud to welcome a new generation of park police candidates,” State Parks Acting Commissioner, Kathy Moser, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Our park police officers play a vital role in protecting the people, places and experiences that make our state park system so special. As visitation continues to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals who are committed to public service and to ensuring our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”
New recruits will receive hands-on field work and classroom education in the following: criminal procedure law, penal law, vehicle and traffic law, park and recreation law, and criminal investigations. They’re also offered training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation, along with many other law enforcement-related topics and skills.
Visit https://parks.ny.gov/park-police for more information regarding the application process, agility test and written exam.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456.
