Next Year Marks the 100-Year Anniversary of the New York State Police
New Website Officially Launched to Showcase Upcoming State Police Centennial Events and Historical Facts
State Police to Debut New State Fair Exhibit in 2017 With Live Demonstrations and Interactive Features
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the kickoff of a year-long celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the New York State Police, one of the largest and most respected law enforcement agencies in the nation. The State Police, which was founded in 1917, has unveiled a new website to mark next year’s centennial and is planning numerous public events, including a new State Fair exhibit and open house events at each Troop headquarters.
“Throughout its history, the New York State Police has distinguished itself as one of the elite law enforcement agencies in the nation,” said Governor Cuomo. “Whether it’s protecting our rural communities, keeping a watchful eye on our transportation hubs in New York City, or bringing dangerous criminals to justice, State Troopers put public service ahead of their own safety every day they are on the job. I encourage New Yorkers to get involved in the celebration and let the State Police know how much you appreciate their service and sacrifice.”
The new State Police centennial website includes a comprehensive timeline of historical events, photographs, as well as details on the Centennial celebrations as they are scheduled. The site will also provide the public with the opportunity to participate in the events, as well as purchase commemorative items. The website can be found at centennial.troopers.ny.gov.
As part of the centennial celebration, the State Police will debut a new State Fair Exhibit in 2017. The new exhibit will include a new interactive crime scene exhibit, a new rappelling tower, and a larger tank for the State Police Dive Team demonstrations. Climate-controlled dog kennels will also be constructed for the State Police canine teams.
The current State Police exhibit is housed next to the International Pavilion and features daily live demonstrations from the State Police Special Operations Units, including the very popular Canine Unit. This year, the State Police added a new cockpit-style interactive driving simulator to illustrate the dangers of distracted driving. These elements will continue at the new exhibit, along with a special display that will focus on the Division’s 100-year history.
Additionally, on Friday, August 26, State Troopers will participate in Law Enforcement Day events at the State Fair, which includes a memorial ceremony at Noon and a parade at 6 p.m.
State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “For nearly 100 years, the men and women of the State Police have been dedicated to serving the people of New York State. Our centennial celebration will provide an opportunity for us to share the fine work our members and civilian staff perform each and every day.”
The New York State Police was founded on April 11, 1917, when the New York State Legislature approved a new law establishing the Department of State Police. The idea for a State Police force started in 1913, when a construction foreman named Sam Howell was murdered while delivering payroll to a jobsite in Westchester County. Before he died, Howell was able to identify his attackers as a group of men he recently released from the construction site, due to poor performance. Even with this information, the men were never apprehended. His employer, Miss Moyca Newell, and her friend, author Katherine Mayo, concerned by the state of rural law enforcement, started the movement to form a state police force to provide police protection in all of New York’s rural areas.
In June of 1917, the first Recruit Troopers started their training in Manlius, NY at Camp Newayo, named for Newell and Mayo. When training ended that fall, the original 232 Troopers were sent to their first assignment to patrol the New York State Fair, then set out on horseback to start policing the State’s rural areas. There are currently more than 5,400 sworn and civilian members in 11 Troops across the State, including Troop NYC based in New York City.
The New York State Police is a full service police agency. In addition to the uniformed force, there are more than 1,000 members of the plainclothes Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which investigates felonies and major crimes, and is able to assist local law enforcement agencies that don’t have the resources to undertake major criminal investigations. The State Police also support the state Office of Counter Terrorism and manage the New York State Intelligence Center, which brings together federal, state and local agencies to analyze and share information on terrorism and related crimes. Other specialized details include the Aviation Unit, Special Operations Response Team, Canine Unit, Dive Team, the Community Narcotics Enforcement team, and the Bomb Disposal Unit.
