The Suffolk County Police Department’s Auxiliary Police Unit is a volunteer Civil Defense force trained and equipped to support police officers by conducting routine patrols and providing extra public safety services at community events, severe weather situations, and other large-scale emergencies.

The Auxiliary Police Program comprises a dedicated team of peace officers assigned to each of the county’s seven precincts, as well as an eighth unit that handles administrative and specialized tasks for the program.

Auxiliary police officers are committed, professional, and highly trained volunteers who serve their communities. Recruits in the Auxiliary Police Program complete comprehensive initial training to obtain their New York State Peace Officer certification. All Auxiliary Police officers are also required to attend annual refresher courses.

All training is provided at no cost by the Suffolk County Police Department. After completing initial and field training, each Auxiliary Police Officer is well-prepared to respond confidently and professionally to the County’s emergency needs.

Recruitment:

We are currently actively recruiting members for all Precincts

Application form can be downloaded here and sent to:

Suffolk County Police Department
Emergency Management Unit
120 East Ave, Yaphank, NY 11980

(OR)

Email: SCPDEmergencyManagement@suffolkcountyny.gov

Auxiliary Police requirements:

• Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
• Applicant must be a resident of Suffolk County.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have reached age of 21 by date of appointment.
• Applicant must be of good moral character, have a clean criminal record and be willing to submit to fingerprinting as part of the background investigation.
• Possess a NYS Driver's license.
• Applicants must pass medical, psychological and fitness examinations administered by the Suffolk County.
• Once accepted into the program, all Auxiliary Police Officers must complete approximately 230 hours of basic training and contribute at least 10 hours each month to the Auxiliary Police Program.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q - Are Suffolk County Auxiliary Police required to carry a firearm?

A - There is no requirement for an Auxiliary Police Officer to carry a firearm at any time. Those who want to carry a firearm while on duty (a) must have a valid New York State /Suffolk County pistol license, and (b) must complete a probationary period and undergo extensive training before they're allowed to carry firearms.

Q - I was/am an Auxiliary Police Officer in another jurisdiction outside Suffolk County. Can I simply transfer and be exempt from Basic Training?

A - Those seeking to join the Suffolk County Auxiliary Police, regardless of any prior affiliations with another Auxiliary Police program, must undergo the standard application process and attend the Basic Training course provided by the Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Preparedness Section.

Q - Will becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer help me to get on the regular police force?

A - Being a member of an Auxiliary Police program does not in any way add points to any Civil Service Exam or give you preferential treatment in hiring for any Civil Service position including but not limited to police positions.

Q - What kind of law enforcement powers do I have as an Auxiliary Police Officer?

A - Auxiliary Police Officers are civilians and have the same arrest powers as any other civilian in New York State. During a legal declaration of disaster, the County Executive and the County Legislature may bestow temporary & limited peace officer status on any activated Auxiliary Police if a true need exists. The limits of this peace officer status would be defined by the resolution which grants the status.

Q - What are the duties of an Auxiliary Police Officer?

A - Auxiliary Police patrol as an additional set of “eyes and ears” for the Suffolk County Police. In addition to patrol, typical duties include directing traffic at parades, accident scenes and during power outages. Assisting the police at large scale events such as fireworks displays, carnivals, community festivals, air shows and any other event involving large crowds. During disasters the Auxiliary Police assist with many non-essential police duties which can free up the regular police to perform their primary function.

Q - What are the medical and fitness standards for the position of Auxiliary Police Officer?

A - Auxiliary Police must meet modified physical and fitness standards administered by the County of Suffolk. Up-to-date information about these standards can be obtained by contacting the Suffolk County Police Emergency Preparedness Section at (631) 852-4921 or (631) 852-6355.

Suffolk County Auxiliary Police Benefits - Suffolk County Civil Service Exam Fee Waiver:

The County of Suffolk established a civil service examination application fee waiver for an officer or member of the Suffolk County Auxiliary Police.

Once you become an Auxiliary Police Officer, you will qualify for the Suffolk County civil service exam fee waiver.

Waiver request application can be downloaded here.

Contact information:

The Auxiliary Police Office is located in the Suffolk County Probation Building, off Yaphank Ave., 1/4 mile south of Suffolk County Police Department HQ, 30 Yaphank Ave, Yaphank, NY.

Suffolk County Police Department
Emergency Management Unit
120 East Ave, Yaphank, NY 11980

Phone (631) 852-4921 or (631) 852-6355

Email: SCPDEmergencyManagement@suffolkcountyny.gov