Author: Saratoga TODAY

ALBANY — The New York State Police announced the opening of applications for the New York State Trooper Entrance Examination. Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their applications and register for the exam at Become a Trooper.

The recruitment initiative is designed to attract qualified individuals to its ranks. Applications for the Trooper Entrance Examination are accepted until June 3, 2024. The final opportunity to take the Entrance Examination during this campaign will be June 10, 2024.

This year, the exam will be accessible at 60 authorized Pearson VUE testing centers located throughout New York State, extending to 390 locations across the United States, as well as at 101 designated military sites globally. This arrangement ensures applicants have the flexibility to select a convenient time and location for their examination. The computer-based examination allows for a convenient and accessible testing process for anyone interested in becoming a Trooper.

The New York State Police Academy is located in Albany, along with a second facility in Cazenovia. 

Candidates who successfully pass the entrance examination may be afforded the opportunity to proceed to the Physical Ability Testing phase of processing.  This testing will take place at three regional locations, with additional sites being considered to accommodate future examination cycles.

The New York State Police are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce and is a proud participant of the “30×30 Initiative,” aiming to increase female recruitment to 30 percent by 2030. 

A career with the New York State Police offers significant opportunities for advancement and professional development, with specialized units such as Aviation, Canine, Underwater Recovery Team, Special Operations Response Team, and Bureau of Criminal Investigation, among others. 

Detailed information and the application portal for the Entrance Examination are available at https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/.  A comprehensive study guide to aid in exam preparation is also available through the website https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/10/study-guide-practice-test-for-the-nysp-trooper-examination-updated-for-pv-testing.pdf .

Minimum Qualifications for the Examination: Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen; Must be at least 20 years old and not have reached your 35th birthday at the time of application; The maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty – up to a maximum of 7 years. Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Starting salary for Academy appointees is $59,612. After one year of service, the minimum compensation rises to $98,300. Full health benefits and a retirement plan.

Applicants are invited to speak with a New York State Police Recruiter for further information by contacting recruit@troopers.ny.gov or dialing 518-485-0855.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Approximately one in four children experience child abuse or neglect in their lifetime, and of maltreated children 18% are abused physically, 78% are neglected, and 9% are abused sexually, according to a May 2023 report from the National Library of Medicine titled “Child Physical Abuse and Neglect.” 

The fatality rate for child maltreatment is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 1.

Children tend to feel ashamed, almost like the abuse was their fault, and that is why many don’t tell on their abuser,” Rebecca Baldwin, Executive Director of Saratoga Center for the Family, said in a statement. 

Last year, Saratoga Center for the Family’s Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center (or CAC) provided 275 forensic interviews to children and their families. “Forensic interviews are conducted at our CAC, which is the first step in an abuse investigation. We have specially trained interviewers speak with the child about the abuse.” “Nurses, law enforcement, social workers, a victim advocate, and mental health therapists are all gathered in one location, making the child(ren) and family as comfortable as possible. Once the child is seen, he or she will be a top priority for mental health therapy,” Baldwin said.

On Tuesday, April 23, the Center will host a Brooks Barbecue Drive-Through at 359 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs. The event will take place 3-6 p.m. and guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid the dinners being sold out. Tickets can be purchased online at www.saratogacff.org/events or by calling 518-587-8008 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

All proceeds will benefit the children and families served by Saratoga Center for the Family and the Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center.

For more information on Saratoga Center for the Family and their services, visit www.saratogacff.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Approximately one in four children experience child abuse or neglect in their lifetime, and of maltreated children 18% are abused physically, 78% are neglected, and 9% are abused sexually, according to a May 2023 report from the National Library of Medicine titled “Child Physical Abuse and Neglect.” 

The fatality rate for child maltreatment is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 1.

Children tend to feel ashamed, almost like the abuse was their fault, and that is why many don’t tell on their abuser,” Rebecca Baldwin, Executive Director of Saratoga Center for the Family, said in a statement. 

Last year, Saratoga Center for the Family’s Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center (or CAC) provided 275 forensic interviews to children and their families. “Forensic interviews are conducted at our CAC, which is the first step in an abuse investigation. We have specially trained interviewers speak with the child about the abuse.” “Nurses, law enforcement, social workers, a victim advocate, and mental health therapists are all gathered in one location, making the child(ren) and family as comfortable as possible. Once the child is seen, he or she will be a top priority for mental health therapy,” Baldwin said.

On Tuesday, April 23, the Center will host a Brooks Barbecue Drive-Through at 359 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs. The event will take place 3-6 p.m. and guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid the dinners being sold out. Tickets can be purchased online at www.saratogacff.org/events or by calling 518-587-8008 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

All proceeds will benefit the children and families served by Saratoga Center for the Family and the Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center.

For more information on Saratoga Center for the Family and their services, visit www.saratogacff.org.