Basic School

The Basic School for New York State Troopers consists of 26 weeks of training. It is one of the most comprehensive law enforcement recruit training programs in the country and is designed to provide newly appointed troopers with the academic foundation, physical fitness and technical skills necessary to perform their complex, varied police duties with professionalism and excellence.

Basic School training is residential; recruits are required to live at the Academy. Class sizes can range from 50 to more than 200 recruits, depending upon departmental needs and budgetary considerations. Each student's commitment is constantly tested by the school's demanding and rigorous college-level program.

To graduate a recruit must successfully complete 1,095 hours of training provided by certified law enforcement professionals and members of the New York State Police.

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

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.

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