How to Join the NYPD Parks Enforcement Patrol (formerly Parks Police)

Becoming a Guardian of New York's Green Spaces

The NYPD Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP)—historically called "Parks Police"—is a specialized unit within the NYPD protecting the city's 30,000+ acres of parks, beaches, and recreation facilities. Here's the pathway to join.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card)
• Age: 19–35 at appointment (waivers possible for military)
• Education: High school diploma or GED; 60 college credits preferred
• Driver's License: Valid NYS license (or obtainable)
• Physical/Medical: Pass NYPD medical, psychological, and Job Standard Test (JST) — 50-yd sprint, stair climb, barrier surmount, dummy drag, trigger pull
• Background: No felony convictions; misdemeanors evaluated case-by-case; drug/financial history reviewed
• Residency: Must live in NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, or Putnam county at hire

Application Process

1. Civil Service Exam: Take "Police Officer" exam (DCAS) — offered periodically; establishes eligibility list.
2. List Number & Processing: High score → earlier processing. Submit paperwork, fingerprints, questionnaires.
3. Investigations: Character, employment, financial, medical, psychological.
4. Physical Test (JST): Must pass before academy.
5. Police Academy: 6 months at NYPD Police Academy (College Point, Queens). Academic, physical, tactical, legal training.
6. Assignment: Graduates assigned to patrol commands; PEP assignment requested via preference/need.

PEP-Specific Path

• Most enter via standard Police Officer track, then transfer to PEP after probation (18 months).
• Direct PEP hiring occurs occasionally—check NYPD Careers.
• PEP officers are peace officers (NYS Criminal Procedure Law §2.10) with arrest authority in parks; not full police officers (no off-duty carry, limited jurisdiction).

Specialized Units Within PEP

• Mounted Unit: Horseback patrol (Central Park, beaches)
• K-9 Unit: Narcotics, explosives, search
• Emergency Service Unit (ESU): Tactical, rescue, waterborne
• Plainclothes/Anti-Crime: Investigations, quality-of-life enforcement

Career Outlook

• Starting salary ~$42K → $85K+ at top pay (5.5 years) + overtime, differentials
• Pension: 25-year half-pay (Tier 6); health benefits
• Promotion: Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain via exam
• Transfer to full Police Officer possible

Protecting Central Park, Rockaway Beach, Pelham Bay, and hundreds of neighborhood parks—PEP officers keep New York's outdoor rooms safe, clean, and accessible.