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NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF STATE POLICE

Basic Recruit Program - Active Courses

• Organization Directory Page
  (titles of all evaluated learning experiences, organization description, and source of official student records)

• Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the  Basic Recruit Program - Active Courses section

• Descriptions and credit recommendations

Titles, descriptions, and credit recommendations for all learning experiences recommended for college credit within the Basic Recruit Program - Active Courses section can be found below. To locate information on additional learning experiences, which have also been recommended for college credit, use the Organization Directory Page link above for a complete list of titles for all learning experiences or use the following links to go directly to other sections: 

Basic Recruit Program - Retired Courses
In-Service Courses
Instructor Training

Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the Basic Recruit Program - Active Course section

The courses listed below constitute the academic component of the Basic Recruit Program conducted at the Police Academy. This is an intensive 26‑week residential program attended by all newly appointed troopers of the State Police. The total program as presently constituted has been offered since October 1971, although individual courses have been offered with substantially the same content for a longer period of time. This is noted for specific courses.

Accident Investigation
Basic Radar Operator
Collision Investigation
Consolidated Laws and Procedures
Crime Scene Management
Criminal Investigations
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure Law
Critical Incident
Defensive Tactics/Physical Training
Domestic Violence
DWI Enforcement/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
Field Training
First Responder
Mental Health Issues
Penal Law
Selected Laws
Selected Laws and Procedures
Speed Enforcement
Vehicle and Traffic Law

Descriptions and credit recommendations

Collision Investigation
(Formerly Accident Investigation)
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Version 1 or 2: Minimum 40 hours. Version 3: 30 hours (includes approximately 11 hours of hands-on exercises). Version 4: 60 hours.
Dates: Version 1: September 1985 - March 1991.* Version 2: April 1991 - September 1996. Version 3: October 1996 - September 2000. Version 4: October 2000 - June 2004.
Objectives: Version 1: To provide the student with fact-finding techniques as well as analysis of collision causation and effect. Version 2, 3, or 4: Analyze the events that occur at a collision scene in order to ascertain the cause of the collision; secure and safeguard the collision scene and collect relevant evidence; determine the possible liability of the collision; correlate the environmental conditions with the possible causes of the collision; conduct the initial investigation at collision crime scenes; interact with the appropriate agencies that may have an interest in the event.
Instruction: Version 1, 2, 3, or 4: Collection and preservation necessary to a thorough conclusion of vehicular collisions and the determination of responsibility. Collision reconstruction is an integral part of the instruction. Appropriate laboratory experiences are provided on a selected basis.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Police Science (3/74) (4/85 revalidation) (4/91 revalidation). Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour in Police Science (6/96 revalidation). Version 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Police Science (10/01 revalidation). *NOTE: An earlier version of this course, dating from September 1961 to September 1985, was offered jointly with Vehicle and Traffic Law I and II. Please consult the 1990 edition for further information.

1. Criminal Investigations
2. Crime Scene Management
3. Critical Incident
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Courses 1, 2, and 3: 50 hours.
Dates: Courses 1, 2, and 3: January 1999 - June 2004.*
Objectives: Courses 1, 2, and 3: Discuss fundamentals of criminal investigation from crime scene to court room with emphases on applied techniques in relation to specific crimes; discuss the science and procedures of investigation, the search and collection of evidence, and related fundamentals of investigation of crimes against persons and property; discuss the procedures involved in establishing a crime scene, the subsequent search and preservation of the scene, and collection of evidence; discuss how to deal with critical incidents, including hazardous materials, explosives, and nuclear and biological attack; discuss the role of the trooper in domestic violence situations and crisis intervention.
Instruction: Courses 1, 2, and 3: An overview of the entire field as well as a foundation of specialized investigative techniques. Topics covered include conducting effective, efficient preliminary investigation by using photography, taking notes, crime scene sketching, identifying, collecting, examining and processing physical evidence, obtaining information, developing, locating, and identifying suspects, and conducting surveillances; conducting investigations of crimes against persons, such as those involving robbery, assault, rape and other sex offenses, and homicide; conducting investigations of crimes against property, organized crime, and the illegal use and sale of dangerous drugs. Emphasis is also placed on dealing with critical incidents involving hazardous materials, explosives, and nuclear and biological attack. The ability to interact with victims of crimes, including domestic violence, and the use of available equipment to conduct effective and efficient investigations is stressed.
Credit recommendation: Courses 1, 2, and 3:  In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice (10/01 revalidation). NOTE: Courses 1, 2, and 3 must all be completed to receive credit. *NOTE: Earlier versions of these courses, dating from June 1964 to December 1998, appear in the following section.

Criminal Procedure Law
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Version 3: Minimum 55 hours. Version 4: Minimum 72 hours.
Dates: Version 3: October 1990 - September 2000.* Version 4: October 2000 - June 2004.
Objectives: Version 3 or 4: Explain the working processes of the court as they relate to the law of arrest; review the rules of evidence in order to support a successful prosecution; discuss the court processes from initial arraignment of the accused through to the trial and sentencing; use constitutionally correct procedures when applying for arrest, search, wiretap, and eavesdropping warrants and orders; define the legal terminology used in the adjudication process of the criminal justice system.
Instruction: Version 3 or 4: Working knowledge of procedures and standards of proof required for preliminary judicial action in the lower or local court (geographical jurisdiction of offenses, scope of prosecution, and rules of evidence); procedures related to arrest for an offense from the time of arrest through sentencing and probation procedures (laws of arrest, proceedings from arraignment to plea, including pretrial and trial motions, and search and seizure).
Credit recommendation: Version 3 or 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Procedure Law (4/74) (4/85 revalidation) (4/91 revalidation) (6/96 revalidation) (10/01 revalidation). *NOTE: Earlier versions of this course, dating from September 1961 to September 1990, have been recommended for credit. Please refer to the 1992 edition for further information.

Domestic Violence
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Version 1: Minimum 30 hours. Version 2: Minimum 20 hours.
Dates: Version 1: February 1990 - September 2000. Version 2: October 2000 - June 2004.
Objectives: Version 1: Discuss the situational dynamics of domestic violence; recognize the psychological effects of violence on its victims; defuse violent and potentially violent situations by non-traditional means of intervention; discuss the mechanics of victim compensation and support as provided by Executive Law. Version 2: Discuss the situational dynamics of domestic violence; recognize the psychological effects of violence on its victims; defuse violent and potentially violent situations by non-traditional means of intervention.
Instruction: Version 1:  Legal aspects; victimology; child abuse and neglect; crime victims’ compensation; crisis intervention. Version 2: Legal aspects; victimology; child abuse and neglect; crisis intervention.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour as an elective in Criminal Justice (4/91) (6/96 revalidation) (10/01 revalidation).

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Minimum 90 hours.
Dates: October 1996 - June 2004.
Objectives: Develop and utilize accident free professional State Police vehicle driving; discuss traffic laws, risk factors for patrol vehicle accidents, focusing on vehicle handling characteristics, traffic hazards and techniques to avoid them; recognize conditions in and around the vehicle that may affect driving; recognize anticipated developments in traffic and the preparation needed to respond to them.
Instruction: Legal aspects of emergency vehicle operation; New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law; causes of troop car accidents; defensive driving; stopping distances; proper use of emergency lights and siren; vehicle maintenance and inspection; effects of alcohol and drugs on vehicle operation.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours as Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVOC) in Health Sciences or Police Science (10/01).

Field Training
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Minimum 400 hours (10 weeks - 12 weeks).
Dates: October 1996 - June 2004.
Objectives: Apply police theory and techniques to actual field experience; utilize the tenets of good public relations and community involvement; develop an expertise in filling out police reports; appreciate the constitutional rights of the public and suspects in criminal investigations; deal appropriately with special needs populations in the community, i.e., the homeless and mentally and emotionally disturbed; properly testify in court.
Instruction: Upon graduation from the State Police Academy, the probationary trooper is assigned to a certified field training officer (FTO). The FTO observes and assesses the trooper’s ability to respond to serious emergencies, crimes, tactical confrontations, and crowd control. Reports on the trooper’s progress are submitted weekly and various categories of skills are graded. A final determination about the trooper’s readiness to successfully perform his/her duties is made at the end of the probationary period.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as an Internship in Criminal Justice (10/01).

Mental Health Issues
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Minimum 20 hours.
Dates: October 2000 - June 2004.
Objectives: Discuss the dynamics and symptomology of various mental illnesses and psychiatric disorders; examine suicide assessment and prevention procedures; practice responses to situations involving emotionally disturbed persons; outline functions and admission procedures under Mental Hygiene Law; recognize liability issues.
Instruction: Legal aspects; preparation of documentation for mental hygiene related incidents; role playing; crisis intervention.
Credit recommendation: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour as an elective in Psychology (10/01).

Penal Law
(Formerly Criminal Law)
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Version 3: Minimum 60 hours. Version 4: 129 hours.
Dates: Version 3: October 1990 - September 2000.* Version 4: October 2000 - June 2004.
Objective: Version 3 or 4: Discuss the provisions of the Penal Law and the various terms used therein; discuss the enforcement of the laws of the State of New York in various situations that can result in the successful prosecution of a criminal action before the court.
Instruction: Version 3 or 4: The New York State Penal Law (its purposes and those definitions applicable to enforcement considerations); the elements of various offenses (anticipatory offenses, theft, fraud, damage and intrusion onto property and offenses against the person and public order); the legal basis for proscribing conduct; the justification for the lawful use of physical force.
Credit recommendation: Version 3 or 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Law (4/85 revalidation) (4/91 revalidation) (6/96 revalidation) (10/01 revalidation). *NOTE: Earlier versions of this course, dating from September 1961 to September 1990, have been recommended for credit. Please refer to the 1992 edition (for Version 1) and the 2000 edition (for Version 2) for further information.

Physical Education
1. Defensive Tactics/Physical Training
2. First Responder
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Version 1: Course 1. Minimum 82 hours. Course 2. Minimum 40 hours. Version 2: Course 1. Minimum 135 hours. Course 2. Minimum 40 hours. Version 3: Course 1. Minimum 195 hours. Course 2. Minimum 40 hours.
Dates: Version 1: Course 1. October 1990 - December 1995.* Course 2. October 1990 - December 1995. Version 2: Course 1.. January 1996 - September 2000. Course 2. October 1990 - September 2000. Version 3: Course 1. October 2000 - Present. Course 2. October 2000 - June 2004.
Objectives: Course 1, Version 1, 2, or 3: Value the need for nutrition and physical fitness; apply the rudiments of defensive tactics in order to use the least amount of force necessary; relate the area of defensive tactics to the relevant laws that pertain to the legal use of force. Course 2, Version 1, 2, or 3: Evaluate an emergency situation in order to provide initial medical assistance.
Instruction: Course 1, Version 1, 2, or 3: Survey of physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of physical fitness; skills, body mechanics, and methods of improving and maintaining physical fitness; the role of physical conditioning, nutrition, and basic health habits in optimum performance; self-defense techniques; defense against personal attack; defense against weapons; control techniques. Course 2, Version 1, 2, or 3: Application of necessary first aid to prevent deterioration of victim’s condition until other medical personnel arrive.
Credit recommendation: Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Physical Education (4/91 revalidation). Version 2 or 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Physical Education (6/96 revalidation) (10/01 revalidation). NOTE: Courses 1 and 2 must both be completed to receive credit. *NOTE: An earlier version of this course grouping dating from February 1984 to September 1990 has been recommended for credit. Please refer to the next section for further information.

Selected Laws
(Formerly Selected Laws and Procedures; and Consolidated Laws and Procedures)
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Version 4: 30 hours. Version 5 or 6: 24 hours; (includes 16 hours of instructor-guided self-study). Version 7: 20 hours.
Dates: Version 4: October 1990 - August 1992. Version 5: September 1992 - December 1995. Version 6: January 1996 - September 2000. Version 7: October 2000 - June 2004.*
Objectives: Version 4, 5, 6, or 7: Facilitate prosecutions by the proper application of the various regulatory and civil rights laws; recognize the terminology inherent in the various laws; coordinate personal efforts to provide the maximum compliance with the laws; enforce the provisions of the ABC Law, Agriculture and Markets Law, Education Law, and Executive Law; take the proper police action with regard to the laws; appreciate the need for these laws for the protection of the environment in particular and society in general; assure the rights of the accused as provided in the U.S. Constitution.
Instruction: Version 4: Bail; family court and offenses against the court; conservation law; State and Federal probation; pardon and parole; Federal enforcement agencies; the District Attorney, Public Defender, and County Court Judge; Supreme Court decisions; officer accountability. Version 5, 6, or 7: Bail; family court; conservation law; State and Federal probation; pardon and parole; the District Attorney, Public Defender, and County Court Judge; officer accountability.
Credit recommendation: Version 4 or 5: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours as an elective in Criminal Law (4/91 revalidation). Version 6 or 7: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour as an elective in Criminal Law (6/96 revalidation) (10/01 revalidation). *NOTE: Earlier versions of this course, dating from June 1964 to September 1990, have been recommended for credit. Please refer to the 1992 edition for further information.

1. Vehicle and Traffic Law
2. DWI Enforcement/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
3. Basic Radar Operator
(Formerly Speed Enforcement)
Location: State Police Academy, State Campus, Albany, NY.
Length: Version 1: Course 1. Minimum 44 hours. Course 2. Minimum 44 hours. Course 3. Minimum 28 hours. Version 2: Course 1. Minimum 40 hours. Course 2. Minimum 66 hours. Course 3. Minimum 30 hours (includes approximately 17 hours of hands-on exercises). Version 3: Course 1. 44 hours. Course 2. 80 hours. Course 3. 30 hours.
Dates: Version 1: Course 1, 2, and 3: March 1989 - December 1995.* Version 2: Course 1, 2, and 3: January 1996 - September 2000. Version 3: Course 1, 2, and 3: October 2000 - June 2004.
Objectives: Version 1, 2, or 3: Courses 1, 2, and 3: Operate various radar speed measurement instruments; discuss pharmacology and physiology of alcohol as a foundation for the proper use of the breathalyzer; discuss the laws, processes, rules, and regulations affecting traffic control and prepare and present accusatory instruments and supportive documentation in the enforcement of vehicle and traffic laws.
Instruction: Version 1, 2, or 3: Courses 1, 2, and 3: The procedures and standards of proof required in related judicial proceedings (rules of the road, vehicle and traffic accusatory instruments, bills of particulars, and depositions); familiarity and applications of technological devices and instruments employed in the enforcement function; DWI laws and related laws; RADAR speed measurement; legal considerations; speeding prosecutions.
Credit recommendation: Version 1, 2, or 3, Courses 1, 2, and 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Vehicle and Traffic Law (4/91 revalidation) (6/96 revalidation) (10/01 revalidation). NOTE: Courses 1, 2, and 3 must all be completed to receive credit. *NOTE: An earlier version of these courses appears in the following section.

Updated 4/12/04

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