An overview of the New York state police

There has been a state police force in New York since 1917, enforcing laws in conjuction with local police officers, and particularly where local officers lack jurisdiction or a case is bigger than the borders of one municipality. A common way they are encountered in this part of the Hudson Valley is when a driver is pulled over on interstate 84, the Thruway, or the Taconic for speeding or another traffic violation.

The grey of state police uniforms is intended to symbolize that troopers “stand between the right and the wrong” in the New York; for many decades the uniforms were woven of black and white to drive home that symbolism. While there are occasional internet posts about the purple accents being tied to the praetorian guard, finding a reliable source about that choice of color has proven difficult. It might just be for the striking contrast!

Troopers have all the authority of other police officers, but their jurisdiction is the entire state. They stand ready to assist during local traffic stops and criminal investigations, in addition to conducting their own. Due to their broad jurisdiction, they are the ideal officers for patrolling parkways and highways in New York. Troop T members, for example, work entirely on the Thruway. Troopers also have specialized units that focus on air patrol, marine rescues, and even security for the governor.

One thing a state trooper will not do is offer to let someone plead guilty to a lesser offense, because internal policy forbids this. In many local courts, there is a part-time special prosecutor handling cases for this reason. If a state police officer wants to talk to you in court about your ticket, be aware that no plea deal will come out of that conversation. This is one of the reasons why, when dealing with a trooper ticket, it’s a good idea to call Selby Legal before going to court yourself. The consultation for traffic infractions is free, and the advice could save you hundreds of dollars in fines and fees.