NYPD Auxiliary

[Joeyd6]

Finally! Good Bye and sorry to all those who had to witness that!

[nypdofficer.com]

Alex,

The NYPD Auxiliary is great. Generally our duties have us patrolling the streets of our precinct on foot or in an auxiliary RMP (Radio Motor Patrol). When we see something happening, we call it in over the radio or call "the desk" for a regular police unit, or "sector car."

There are some important distinctions between auxiliary police officers and regular law enforcement:

1) It's Volunteer. We don't get paid.
2) We don't carry guns. Even if you have a permit, no gun. We do carry "night sticks" or batons.
3) We have no special arrest rights. Our arrest rights derive from the citizen arrest rights -- you can aprehend anyone who commits a crime in your presence, or a suspected felon in any case. But it's best to call it in.
4) We can not "stop and frisk" based on "resonable suspicion," unlike sworn officers.
5) We can not write tickets of any kind.

But there are many similarites:
1) We wear virtually the same uniform as regular NYPD.
2) We can carry handcuffs on or off duty.
3) We can -- and should -- wear body armor (bullet resistant vests).
4) We become "peace officers" in time of civil emergency (i.e., 9/11)
5) We perform traffic duty at special events and emergencies (2003 blackout)
6) We carry a shield and ID card identifying us as Auxiliary Police Officers.
7) We have similar rank structure and promotion opportunities (Sgt., Lt., Capt., Dep. Inspector, Asst. Chief)
8) We are elegible for service awards and citations.
9) We have union representation (APBA, etc.)
10) We help keep NYC safe just by presenting a visual deterant.

Additionally, because you're under 21, you can volunteer for undercover "buy busts" where regular officers will have you go into stores to buy alcohol as part of a sting opperation.

All in all, the program is very rewarding. It can also be frustrating when some regular officers call you "toy cop" or if you don't get support at the precinct level. But you'll likely form lasting friendships with your fellow officers.

The class is good. Pay close attention to the law section -- NY Penal Law is very interesting. I can punch you in the face and the charge is only a citation, "harassment."

Why go home and watch Law & Order when you can go out and experience the real thing while helping to keep your neighborhood safe?!

Please feel free to write me with any questions at:
bkeefe@nypdauxiliary.com

- A/PO Brendan Keefe
13th Pct.
bkeefe@nypdauxiliary.com

[nypdofficer.com]

I second that.
Joeyd6 is right about the weapons and the midnight restriction.

However, there is a way to do "citywide patrol." Auxiliary officers can volunteer to do "courtesy patrols" with other precincts' auxiliaries -- with the approval of their own coordinator and the other precinct's coordinator. I've done a few with other precincts.

I can tell you that each precinct uses its auxiliaries in different ways. In the 13 Pct., where we have only a couple sector cars at night, we respond to radio calls to back up the regular officers. Of course we are not dispatched to these calls, we simply respond to offer assitance. In some cases we get there first and we begin taking descriptions and other information that can help the sector car officers when they arrive. We helped catch some shoplifters this way a few months ago. We have their back, and they have ours!

Per regulations, the only auxiliaries who can carry guns are those who have real day jobs as corrections officers. Even then, the weapon must be conealed. Permit holders can NOT carry guns "on the job" -- no exceptions.

Bottom line: we are civilians. But we play an important role in protecting this city.

- A/PO Brendan Keefe
13 Pct.
bkeefe@nypdauxiliary.com

[Joeyd6]

Brendan!

Well said and thanks for the back!

I agree on the courtesy patrol thing and posted the AP procedure for such showing it can be done but permission was needed. But somehow it was being made out that they could work anywhere they want any place they want.

PS- Welcome to the board.
T

[NYPD2005]

I think King was obviously brought up eating paint chips under high power lines, and not that this is all that important, but...

While Joey & Brendan are both 100% right about the current regulations for NYPD aux and firearms, my girlfriend was in NYPD aux about 7 or 8 years ago and in her manual, it DID state that if a NYPD aux had a valid NYC CCW permit, they could carry in uniform but it MUST be consealed at ALL TIMES and went to great lengths to illustrate that the NYPD aux are NOT police officers.

Obviously, King was out of the loop, using old regs for his info. Maybe "rambo" supercop wannabe's like him are the reason they changed the rules....

[Ruwkus]

Can they wear a vest? I am interested in becoming a NYPD AUX but I goto school in LI during the spring/fall can I work the summers only until I am old enough to become a real po?

I have heard about a NYPD vice unit any info on it?

thanks

[Joeyd6]

Yes they can wear a vest, but the department will not buy/purchase or loan one. The aux. must obtain it at thier own cost.

[Ruwkus]

Is it possible to ride the LIRR for free? If I do join this would be my way of going to work.