NYPD Driver Education and Training Unit Overview

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is the primary law enforcement agency within New York City, dedicated to protecting and serving its diverse communities. The NYPD's regulations are compiled in title 38 of the New York City Rules. The department is administered and governed by the police commissioner, who is appointed by the mayor. Technically, the commissioner serves a five-year term; as a practical matter, they serve at the mayor's pleasure. The commissioner in turn appoints the first deputy commissioner, numerous deputy commissioners, and the chief of department (the most senior uniformed officer). The Training Bureau oversees the training of recruits, officers, staff, and civilians. Officers graduate from the Police Academy after 26 weeks (or sometimes more) of training in various academic, physical, and tactical fields. The Driver Education and Training Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and competence of NYPD personnel operating vehicles.

Recruit Training Section

The mission of the Recruit Training Section is to train newly sworn uniformed and civilian members of the service to meet the needs of the New York City Police Department. The Recruit Training Section provides police recruits with training in all the areas required to perform effectively as New York City Police Officers.

Academic Training

During academic lessons, police recruits undergo extensive training in the enforcement of the NYS Penal Law and the Vehicle and Traffic Law in addition to the provisions of the First, Fourth, Fourteenth and Fifth Amendment protections such as the law of arrest, search & seizure, interrogation of subjects, and basic investigation of criminal activity. They also receive training in crisis intervention, responding to individuals with mental health and substance abuse problems, investigating domestic violence incidents, assisting crime victims and preserving various types of crime scenes. They receive training in all department procedures including invoicing property and preserving the chain of evidence for property analyzed at the Police Lab. Police recruits also attend several academy workshops. The workshops require recruits to integrate and apply multiple skills during mock incidents guided by academy instructors. Examples include workshops for courtroom testimony, response to emotionally disturbed persons, domestic violence (including L.G.B.T.Q. victims/witnesses), and conducting investigative encounters on patrol (stop and question). They also participate in a series of decision making-interactive scenarios designed to simulate stressful incidents or assignments they may respond to on patrol.

Physical and Tactical Training

The Physical Training and Tactics Department prepares recruits for the physical rigors of police work and tactically prepares them for the dangers they may encounter. These skills are further reinforced in interactive exercises that prepare recruits to combine multiple skills in simulated police encounters. The Scenario Based Training Unit (SBTU) provides recruits with realistic training by consolidating current legal issues, updated Department procedures, and evolving tactics into one training platform. The training provides hands-on practical experience to reinforce the academic lessons and physical tactics taught in the traditional Academy courses. Communications skills are honed and de-escalation tactics are enhanced. The “Critical Decision Making” model has been adopted by the RTS and is emphasized throughout the scenario curriculum.

Specialized Training Units

The NYPD's commitment to comprehensive training is evident in its various specialized units, each focusing on specific areas of expertise.

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Driver Education and Training Unit

The Driver Education and Training Unit trains uniformed officers and civilians to safely operate a variety of Police Department vehicles.

School Safety Training Unit

The School Safety Training Unit provides an educational foundation for all school safety personnel, training them to be effective safety professionals. The entry-level training entails 17 weeks of instruction at the Police Academy.

Traffic Enforcement Training Unit

The Traffic Enforcement Training Unit is responsible for the training of newly hired probationary traffic enforcement agents and for the in-service training of veteran traffic enforcement agents. Their mission is to provide an educational foundation for all traffic enforcement personnel in the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective agents. The entry-level training entails 12-14 weeks of classroom and field instruction. NYPD Traffic Agents Keep Traffic Flowing and Get New Yorkers Where They’re Going…NYPD Traffic Enforcement has many duties including directing traffic, enforcing parking rules and regulations. The men and women of NYC Traffic Divisions are referred to as Traffic Enforcement Agents (TEAs) and wear uniforms similar to the uniform worn by School Safety Agents.There are many levels in NYC Traffic Divisions, but here we’re going to speak of these (2) levels which are level one & two that have been handling different duties.TEA Level One - Parking TEA Level Two - Directing Traffic

Vision Zero / Transportation Outreach Unit

The Vision Zero Program was started in New York City in 2014 by Mayor De Blasio with the objective to end the traffic deaths and injuries on NYC Street. It is also intended to improve the street safety and to reduce the speed limit to 25 MPH. The Transportation Outreach Unit is a mix of traffic agents and police officers started about a year ago. It has been created as part of the Mayor De Blasio’s plan of the vision zero to end the traffic fatalities and injuries on the streets. In addition, the objective of this unit is to educate the public about the Vision Zero by handling out information to them regarding the safety on the streets. The unit goes also to different schools to do training & seminars in order to inform the students on how to understand the traffic rules and laws of the streets through different lessons such as drunk driving, texting while driving, and providing them with some detail materials to get them educated. In addition, the unit goes to the Senior Centers to train & teach them about Safety when they’re crossing the streets and providing them with some tips regarding telephone scams at home. According to the unit, some of those incidents that have been happening are not just accidents waiting to happen, but crashes that are preventable through education, enforcement, and street design. That’s why they slow down the City speed limit to 25 MPH. Their saying stated that: “pedestrians struck by vehicles at 25 MPH are half as likely to die as those struck at 30 MPH”. Over the past few months, the outreach unit has provided information to over 60 schools and senior citizen centers. Sometimes, along with department of transportation (D.O.T) personnel, they have a team that they call “street team” to go out on some streets to give out brochures such as ‘getting to zero’ and information to the public. TEA’s of level 1-2 status have the authority to issue summons for all parking violations. Our Traffic Enforcement vehicles are white with light blue decals. TEAs wear badges that are oval with an eagle on top, in contrast to the shield worn by Police Officers and the seven-point star worn by Auxiliary Officers.

Traffic Enforcement District

The Traffic Enforcement District is tasked with:The responsibility of developing and implementing strategies to expedite the movement of traffic.Enforcing laws and regulations related to the movement or parking of vehicles on city streets.Overseeing the proper and effective performance of duty by the:Intersection Control SectionManhattan Summons Enforcement SectionCitywide Borough Enforcement Section

Intersection Control Section

Members in three commands:North Intersection Control, covering Patrol Borough Manhattan North and the geographical boroughs of Queens and the Bronx.South Intersection Control, covering Patrol Borough Manhattan South and the geographical boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island.South Intersection Control Annex, covering lower Manhattan and the Hugh Carey Tunnel.The Intersection Control Sections deploys Traffic Enforcement Agents to intersections in the vicinity of construction sites, or that are otherwise of high priority, in order to ensure the safe and orderly movement of traffic through those locations.

Traffic Special Operations Section

Members in five commands, tasked with addressing traffic problems, special events and emergencies citywide:Mobile Response Unit provides coverage to special events, parades demonstrations and filming sites. Additionally, it responds to critical intersections and along main thoroughfares both for planned events (such as parades, demonstrations or dignitary visits) and for unplanned emergencies (such as fires, explosions, water main breaks or structural collapses).Midtown Traffic Task Force facilitates and expedites the safe and efficient movement of traffic throughout Manhattan via observations, intelligence-gathering, traffic direction, rapid response and appropriate enforcement by task force members. All members operate a smart car with WAZE tablet and respond accordingly.Manhattan Summons Enforcement SectionTo this section are assigned 634 members who work from four locations. These members are tasked with enforcing traffic rules and parking regulations as they are applied to vehicles that are parked, standing, stopped throughout the borough of Manhattan.Citywide Borough Enforcement SectionThe 919 members of the Citywide Borough Enforcement Section are housed at six locations. They are tasked with enforcing traffic rules and parking regulations as they are applied to vehicles that are parked, standing or stopped throughout the boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.The following reflects noteworthy achievement of the Traffic Enforcement District through 2017:Creation of the Midtown Traffic Task Force: On October 14, 2016 the Traffic Enforcement District first introduced the new Midtown Traffic Task Force. At present, the task force is composed of 68 Traffic Enforcement Agents and 11 supervisory members. The agents are deployed in smart cars and on two tours a day cover 30 posts in Manhattan between 23rd and 60th Streets. Task Force posts are made up of either of sections of two north-south avenues or of major crosstown streets. The agents patrol their posts continuously during the tour, giving particular attention to conditions which may cause traffic congestion. Upon finding such a problem, the agents address and correct it through whatever method is most appropriate, including enforcement, intersection control and notification to NYPD components or to outside agencies. The same agents are assigned to the same posts every day which gives the members a sense of “ownership’’ of their posts and enhances their expertise regarding where traffic problems are most likely to occur. In addition to addressing conditions on their regular posts, the high mobility of the task force allows members to response to major conditions throughout Manhattan whenever additional response is urgently needed. During the first year of its existence, the task force has proven to be a valuable resource not only for correcting exigent conditions, but also providing intelligence regarding recurring or emerging problems found on their posts.Automated Summons Enforcement System (ASES):The hand-held parking ticket device previously used by the Traffic Enforcement District have now been completed by the new Automated Summons Enforcement System, or ASES. ASES was first introduced as a pilot program in December 2016 and the changeover to the new system was completed by July 2017. ASES represents a substantial technological update to TED’s summons enforcement activities. The previously used PTD’s uploaded and downloaded data daily through overnight docking but could not communicate with the database while actually in use on the field. The new ASES devices are wireless and have real time access to the database from the field. In addition to all existing capabilities, ASES added many new technological features such as:Real time summons activity tracking.Geographical Information System (GIS) which will enable us to capture, store and analyze all types of special and geographical data.A change in Hot List identification, whereby instead of a message being given to the traffic agent’s ticket device, a notification is instead automatically given to the Department’s dispatch system for Precinct personnel.Personnel can be accounted for in real time on the field.Through input from members of the Traffic Enforcement District, the initial requirements for the ASES project was revised to include a number of valuable upgrades. These upgrades are scheduled for installation in a ten-step project that is scheduled for completion in 2019.

Enforcements

Traffic Flow Violations: 2017 VS 2016

	2017	2016	% Change
No Stopping	43,269	33,362	+29.7%
No Standing	763,483	641,815	+19.0%
Bus Lane	16,920	10,033	+68.6%
Bus Stop	214,771	177,763	+20.8%
Traffic Lane	1,734	1,025	+69.2%
Double Parking	492,860	367,703	+34.0%
Block the Box	42,824	11,947	+258.4%
Personnels	Current	2017 YTD	2016 YTD
TEA1	1868	943	-8.0%
TEA2	1656	1364	+21.0%
PCS	15	16	-6.0%
(no longer hired)
TOTAL	2539	2323	7.0%

Future Initiatives In Development

Tablets equipped with the Waze traffic appThe Traffic Enforcement District is seeking to obtain tablets that are equipped with the Waze traffic and navigation application. These tablets will be distributed to the members of the Midtown Traffic Task Force, as well as the Commanding Officers of all of the District’s field commands. When using these tablets, the members will be able to learn on the reports of traffic congestion problems in real time and also to respond to these conditions expeditiously.

Bicycle Enforcement Program

The Traffic Enforcement District is in the process of purchasing 50 bicycles for the use by Traffic Enforcement Agents. These bicycles will be distributed to enforcement commands citywide as well as to Traffic Special Operations Personnel. While the use of bicycles will be advantageous for the performance of enforcement generally, it is anticipated that bicycle patrol will be particularly useful and effective in the enforcement of parking regulations in bicycle lanes, thus enhancing the safety of cyclists.

Read also: Driver's Ed Instructor Guide

Job Requirements

Employment Requirement to Become A Traffic Agent

The qualify candidates MUST meet the following qualification:

Be at least 18 years of age at time of appointment
Have a high school diploma or GED
Pass a character and background investigation
Pass a drug screening
Be NYC residents (5 boroughs) within 90 days of appointment if you are a new city hire
Pay a $75 fee for fingerprinting as part of the investigation process
Possess a driver license valid in the State of New York. Candidates for assignment Level III must possess a towing endorsement in addition to regular license.

Training

Traffic Enforcement Agents are assigned to the Police Academy for training for a period of ten to 11 weeks. They start receiving pay and benefits from their first day of the recruit training.

FAQs

Do I have to be a citizen? Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you must be able to prove your identity and your right to obtain employment in the United States prior to employment with the City of New York.
Is there an age limit to be appointed?There is no maximum age requirement.
Does this position have union benefits?Yes.

School Safety Officer Course

The NYPD School Safety Officer Course (formerly known as Basic Course for Peace Officers Without Firearms; also known as School Safety Recruit Training) conducted by the New York City Police Academy. This intensive program consists of classroom instruction and field instruction.

Instruction: This component provides the specific functions of the roles and responsibilities of the school safety officer (peace officer) working within the Department of Education’s school facilities. Recruits are introduced to the Department of Education’s hierarchy structure as well school governance at the local level and citywide level. Recruits are educated in the various forms of school patrol initiatives, visitor control procedures, field communications, metal detection and scanning. Recruits also train on live equipment during workshops.
Instruction: Part 1: Major topics include survey of physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of physical fitness; neuromuscular skill and biomechanics, scientific approach toward assessing entry-level overall physical fitness, and methods of improving and maintaining physical fitness; role of physical conditioning, nutrition, and basic health habits. Part 2: Major topics include theory, skills, and practice of judo, karate, and techniques from selected martial arts including basic blows, throws, blocks and defenses; application of these skills to combative situations. Defense skills necessary to protect oneself when securing an arrest and confinement are also stressed, including unarmed self-defense. Part 3: Major topics include theory and practice of first aid procedures in emergency situations (shock, wounds, heart attacks, strokes) and extrications in dangerous situations; instruction in basic skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including use of automatic external defibrillators. American Red Cross certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is issued.
Instruction: This component is a survey of the statutory law, judicial decisions, and administrative policies that define a school safety officer’s (peace officer’s) authority to arrest, to use force. The steps in the judicial processes initiated when school safety officers (peace officers) effect arrests are discussed.
Instruction: This component provides practical applications of theory and police department procedure designed to assist school safety officers (peace officers) in interacting effectively and humanely with children and adolescents, crime victims, suspects, and parties to disputes, family violence, and other interpersonal crises.
Instruction: This component covers the various types of field problems that a school safety officer (peace officer) may have to respond to in a school facility. The school safety officer’s (peace officer’s) ability to protect lives, rights, and property while responding to critical events, such as disorders and reports of violent crimes in progress is stressed. Emphasis is placed on establishing and maintaining a working collaboration between the school safety officer (peace officer) and the Department of Education school administrators. Role plays and debriefings are provided.
7. Instruction: This component is an introduction to the role of the school safety officer (peace officer) in the school communities that they will serve with emphasis on the legal and ethical bases of their legal authority and accountability. Law enforcement professionalism and responsiveness to a diverse and changing community; structure of the NYPD and School Safety Division; and the statutory, judicial, and administrative mechanisms that define and enforce the limits of law enforcement discretion are emphasized.
Instruction: Detailed examinations of problems and issues presented by major subpopulations within the vast New York City Department of Education, and of the effects upon school safety officers (peace officers) of constant exposure to troubled people; identification and analysis of strategies and techniques useful during interactions with children and adolescents, families of missing persons, the mentally and emotionally disturbed, and other people in crisis; discussion of techniques and departmental services available to school safety officers (peace officers) suffering from job or other personal stress.
Instruction: This component provides an analysis of the theories and reasoning underlying laws that define specific criminal offenses, with detailed treatment of major crime categories encountered by school safety officers (peace officers). Components of weapons laws, drug offenses, crimes against persons, including domestic violence, larceny and property offenses, including theft, and offenses against public order and the public trust are discussed.
Terrorism Awareness and Emergency Preparedness Instruction: This component identifies the fundamental and underlying reasons why America and specifically New York City is a target for terrorists, framed in a discussion of the differences among various terrorist organizations and their terrorist tactics, and the ideological bases for terrorism. Additionally, the course discusses the various government agencies that are involved in fighting terrorism and the importance of front-line law enforcement in obtaining and forwarding intelligence to investigating federal, state, and local agencies. Students are briefed daily on local and global events as to their potential effect on patrolling a very diverse school population. Emphasis is also placed on the active shooter phenomenon in particular school shootings and Tactical Combat Casualty Care medical triage.

Police Communication Technician Courses

Major topics include Policing in a modern society; role of policing; NYPD rules and regulations, call-taking procedures, crime definitions, radio code signals, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and VESTA telephone systems, geographical layout of NYC, communication techniques, active shooter procedures, customer service skills, structured information gathering, New York State Right to Know Laws; Equal Employment Opportunity, stress awareness and stress management, utilizing radio terminology, prioritizing emergency events, Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) and handling calls for the Deaf, hearing/speech impaired community, radio dispatching functions and procedures, and computerized data systems. Throughout both courses students conduct hands on training with tenured employees to practice and apply the material taught. In addition to the Police Communication Technician Courses, students engage in supervised field experience on the operational floor for a total of 64 weeks. Training officers and the Quality Assurance Section (QAS) closely observe progress by conducting monitoring and bi-monthly observations.

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