The Role of A Trooper

When the New York State Police were created in 1917 our duties were to prevent crime and enforce the law, ensure highway safety, render general assistance and promote peace and order. They have not changed and all are still our focus today.

The work of a New York State Trooper encompasses everything from traditional patrol duties to highly specialized investigations. Troopers must be prepared to deal with a never ending variety of situations and people. The New York State Police is a full service agency which means that Troopers not only enforce the vehicle and traffic law but are the primary law enforcement officers in many regions across the state. They respond and investigate all types of cases including, but not limited, to domestic incidents, missing children, assaults, burglaries, robberies and homicides.

As a result of their duties Troopers are frequently called upon to testify in court and grand jury proceedings and in some traffic courts, to prosecute the cases themselves.

Troopers respond to emergencies and disasters and must be able to quickly assess the situation and determine the action that should be taken to assist those in need.

As a trooper you will be required to apply the law to a variety of situations and determine what appropriate action should be taken.

Troopers carry a firearm and sometimes must make split second decisions about whether deadly physical force is justified in a particular situation.

Troopers operate motor vehicles in all types of weather.

Troopers render general assistance to the public every day in wide ranging situations including disabled motorists, providing directions, explaining the law to citizens and providing counseling to students.

The role of a New York State Trooper is not limited to what we do but also encompasses the manner in which it is done. From our inception, the first Superintendent stressed the importance of providing friendly, courteous and professional service to everyone.

This is a mandate that the Troopers still carry with them and strive to achieve each day.