Volunteers in Police Service FAQ

VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q - Are Suffolk County Auxiliary Police required to carry a firearm?

A - There is no requirement for an Auxiliary Police Officer to carry a firearm at any time. Those who wish to carry a firearm while on duty must complete a probationary period and undergo extensive training before they are permitted to carry the firearm.

Q - I was/am an Auxiliary Police Officer in another jurisdiction outside Suffolk County. Can I simply transfer and be exempt from Basic Training?

A - Those seeking to join the Suffolk County Auxiliary Police, regardless of any prior affiliations with another Auxiliary Police program, must undergo the standard application process and attend the Basic Training course provided by the Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Preparedness Section.

Q - Will becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer help me get on the regular police force?

A - Being a member of an Auxiliary Police program does not in any way add points to any Civil Service Exam or give you preferential treatment in hiring for any Civil Service position including but not limited to police positions.

Q - What kind of law enforcement powers do I have as an Auxiliary Police Officer?

A - Auxiliary Police Officers are civilians and have the same arrest powers as any other civilian in New York State. During a legal declaration of disaster, the County Executive may bestow temporary and limited peace officer status on any activated Auxiliary Police if a true need exists. The limits of this peace officer status would be defined by the resolution which grants the status.

Q - What are the duties of an Auxiliary Police Officer?

A - Auxiliary Police patrol as an additional set of eyes and ears for the Suffolk County Police. In addition to patrol, typical duties include directing traffic at parades, accident scenes and during power outages. Assisting the police at large scale events such as fireworks displays, carnivals, community festivals, air shows and any other event involving large crowds. During disaster the Auxiliary Police can assist with many functions which do not require the presence of a regular police officer. This can free up the regular Suffolk County police to perform their primary function.

Q - What are the medical and fitness standards for the position of Auxiliary Police Officer?

A - Auxiliary Police must meet the same physical and fitness standards as the regular police departments. Current information on these standards is available by calling the Suffolk County Police Emergency Preparedness Section at (516) 852-6355.