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      The Auxiliary Police Unit at the Central Park Precinct consists of civic minded volunteers who don virtually the same uniform as New York City Police Officers in order to serve as “eyes and ears” of the police department.  Equipped with the same radios, Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) patrol Central Park and assist the Central Park Police Officers preserve the safety of the 1,000s of people who use park each day.
      Now more than ever, we need volunteers who are trained for alertness and awareness to help us and the police keep watch and ensure the safety of all users of the park.  As an Auxiliary Police Officer, your responsibility not only lies within Central Park, but to the City of New York. The Auxiliary Police Unit at the Central Park Unit is the perfect volunteer opportunity for those of you who enjoy walking in Central Park, meeting new people, and wishing to partake in a prestigious and well respected activity. Helping your fellow citizens and your Central Park Police Precinct only scratches the surface of the personal satisfaction you will gain from being a part of our unit and serving the Police Department of the City of New York.  
       We are constantly soliciting applications to our unit and would like you to be a member of our team! Please continue reading below to learn more about the Auxiliary Police Program in Central Park and what the Auxiliary Police Unit at the Central Park Precinct is all about.  
        If you like what you’ve read, then we want to hear from you!

Join us at the Central Park Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit!

Yours sincerely,
A/Deputy Inspector Roger Thomas
Commanding Officer

Auxiliary Police Unit
Central Park Precinct

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WHAT IS AN AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER?

Auxiliary Police Officers are civic minded citizens who volunteer their time to The Police Department. They serve as the "eyes and ears" of the NYPD and report events that require police intervention.

They provide additional police presence by conducting patrols in UNIFORM (provided WITHOUT COST by The Police Department). This activity helps fellow citizens and the police since it is well known that the mere presence of uniformed police officers is enough to deter would be criminals.

Auxiliary Police Officers are equipped with the same Police Radios that regular police officers use when on patrol. Therefore you are directly linked to regular police officers at all times. (The Central Park Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit will train you how to communicate using the radios).

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS?

First, you should be aware that the uniform that Auxiliary Police Officers wear virtually identical to the uniforms that regular NYPD Police Officers or AKA Sworn Members of the Service (M.O.S.) wear. They are expected to adhere to the same uniform requirements as regular police officers.

Second, Auxiliary Police Officers are issued a shields (a silver seven point star) and NYPD photo credentials, which is carried at all times (off duty as well).

Therefore, there is enormous responsibility, integrity, courtesy, professionalism and respect that we expect all of our Auxiliary Police Officers to adhere to at all times, on OR off duty. Those who cannot adhere to the above need not apply.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

Auxiliary Police Officer Recruits must take a training course that meets once a week for 16 weeks. This is a course is like a mini-police academy that ends in a graduation ceremony at One Police Plaza. Topics include basic penal laws, police science, nightstick training, hand to hand combat, and hand-cuffing techniques. You must pass a multiple choice exam and a nightstick usage and hand-hand combat test.

Thereafter, we expect Auxiliary Police Officers to commit to at least ONE night a week, OR one tour on the weekend.

WHAT DO AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS DO IN CENTRAL PARK?

Auxiliary Police Officers as part of the Central Park Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit are an integral part of the Central Park community.

Auxiliary Police Officers conduct foot, bicycle, and car (RMP) patrol within the confines of the Central Park Precinct Command (aka Central Park).

Auxiliary Police Officers also assist The Police during public events, such as the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, Summerstage, and other concerts within the park.

For more about the CENTRAL PARK PRECINCT click here.

WHAT IS THE CENTRAL PARK AUXILIARY POLICE UNIT LIKE?

1. The Auxiliary Police Unit in the Central Park Precinct is like a family. We are a group of dedicated fun loving GUYS and GIRLS (YES, GIRLS!!), and we have a great time both in and out of the precinct, though social gatherings, BBQ's etc. ALL OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE EITHER FULL TIME JOBS OR ARE STUDENTS. We are both occupationally as well as ethnically diverse. (Our members include finance consultants, government office holders, computer programmers, SAG actors, media personnel, just to name a few).

2. The members of the Auxiliary Police Unit in Central Park enjoy spending time with each other, and form strong bonds. Members always patrol in pairs; however it is common for patrol groups to be larger.

3. The general philosophy of the unit is “if you’re not having a good time, then there’s no point in volunteer”. Therefore, we are a good humored and relaxed unit. However, we are serious when it is required. We expect the same from you. That is we expect you to be good humored (be able to take and give a joke or two) and to be serious when necessary.

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