36 New Officers Added To New York State Park Police Force

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York State Parks system is adding 36 new officers to the ranks of its force, which is responsible for safety at 179 parks and 35 historic sites.

Officials with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced this week that 36 recruits have graduated from the New York State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, outside Albany. It is the agency's first training academy graduation since 2008.

Academy classes were put on hold because of state budget cuts brought on by the recession. Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey says the class of 2013 represents the beginning of the rebuilding of the Park Police force and the entire state parks system.

The 36 recruits will be assigned to regional commands throughout the state.

The New York City state parks include Riverbank State Park in Manhattan, East River State Park in Brooklyn, Bayswater and Gantry Plaza state parks in Queens, Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx, and Clay Pit Ponds Preserve on Staten Island.

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