Relates to advanced training in motor vehicle tactics for the state police

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would add a news section 2.40 of the criminal procedure law.

Pursuant to such suction the Superintendent of the State Police, in consultation with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, would design and implement a program of advanced training in motor vehicle tactics to improve the driving skills and proficiencies of troopers for the variety of driving conditions, environments and scenarios likely to be faced by a trooper in the course of his or her regular duties and responsibilities.

Section 2.40 would further require that on or before December 15, the Superintendent must produce an annual report to the governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly on the Advanced Training in Motor Vehicle Tactics Program established under this section. Such report would detail and include the developments of the program, as well as an assessment of its implementation, maintenance and effectiveness.

Lastly, in order to provide for the establishment of the program created by the new section 2.40, the commissioner of general services would be directed to acquire from the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency, the real property known as the Seneca Army Airfield, together with such other surrounding property as is necessary or advisable within the judgment of the commissioner and the superintendent of the state police, in order to implement and maintain such program. Such real property, so acquired, would thereafter serve as a location for the program.

After the property for the program is acquired, this bill would provide that the commissioner of general services, in consultation with the superintendent, would direct any necessary upgrades to the real property, including the construction or renovation of accompanying buildings or facilities, as may be required for the implementation and maintenance of the program. Such upgrades would be in accordance with, and pursuant to, any necessary future budgetary appropriations for such purpose.

Justification

Service as a State Trooper is a very dangerous job. In order to perform their critical public protection services, they are often required to travel vast distances, in difficult conditions, at high rates of speed, in emergency and stressful circumstances. In just the last year, two state troopers have tragically lost their lives in

roadside situations. Countless others have been suffered dangerous challenges in driving and motor vehicle operation and placement.

Although New York's troopers are among the best trained and most capable of all law enforcement agencies, training in a critical aspect of their job needs to be ongoing and of the highest quality.

This bill would require that the Superintendent establish advanced training in motor vehicle tactics for the New York State Police, to promote their safety and security, as well as those citizens they serve. It would further assure that such training program has the resources and facilities it needs to be successful in this important endeavor.

As the State Police maintains the tradition of providing the highest quality, most professional, public safety services in the nation, it is incumbent upon the state government to provide our troopers with the tools, training and resources they need to not only do their job, but to do it in a manner that can also assure their safest possible conditions.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None noted, as the property acquisition would be under current appropriations.

Effective date

This act would take effect immediately.