BILL NUMBER:S7723

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in
relation to advanced training in motor vehicle tactics for the state
police

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:  This bill would establish a program
of advanced training in motor vehicle tactics for the New York State
Police to improve the driving skills and proficiencies of troopers for
the variety of driving conditions, environments and scenarios likely
to be faced by a trooper in the course of his or her regular duties
and responsibilities.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:  This bill would add a news section
2.40 of the criminal procedure law.

Pursuant to such suction the Superintendent of the State Police, in
consultation with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, would design and
implement a program of advanced training in motor vehicle tactics to
improve the driving skills and proficiencies of troopers for the
variety of driving conditions, environments and scenarios likely to be
faced by a trooper in the course of his or her regular duties and
responsibilities.

Section 2.40 would further require that on or before December 15, the
Superintendent must produce an annual report to the governor, the
              

temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly on
the Advanced Training in Motor Vehicle Tactics Program established
under this section. Such report would detail and include the
developments of the program, as well as an assessment of its
implementation, maintenance and effectiveness.

Lastly, in order to provide for the establishment of the program
created by the new section 2.40, the commissioner of general services
would be directed to acquire from the Seneca County Industrial
Development Agency, the real property known as the Seneca Army
Airfield, together with such other surrounding property as is
necessary or advisable within the judgment of the commissioner and the
superintendent of the state police, in order to implement and maintain
such program. Such real property, so acquired, would thereafter serve
as a location for the program.

After the property for the program is acquired, this bill would
provide that the commissioner of general services, in consultation
with the superintendent, would direct any necessary upgrades to the
real property, including the construction or renovation of
accompanying buildings or facilities, as may be required for the
implementation and maintenance of the program. Such upgrades would be
in accordance with, and pursuant to, any necessary future budgetary
appropriations for such purpose.

JUSTIFICATION:  Service as a State Trooper is a very dangerous job. In
order to perform their critical public protection services, they are
often required to travel vast distances, in difficult conditions, at
high rates of speed, in emergency and stressful circumstances. In just
the last year, two state troopers have tragically lost their lives in


roadside situations. Countless others have been suffered dangerous
challenges in driving and motor vehicle operation and placement.

Although New York's troopers are among the best trained and most
capable of all law enforcement agencies, training in a critical aspect
of their job needs to be ongoing and of the highest quality.

This bill would require that the Superintendent establish advanced
training in motor vehicle tactics for the New York State Police, to
promote their safety and security, as well as those citizens they
serve. It would further assure that such training program has the
resources and facilities it needs to be successful in this important
endeavor.

As the State Police maintains the tradition of providing the highest
quality, most professional, public safety services in the nation, it
is incumbent upon the state government to provide our troopers with
the tools, training and resources they need to not only do their job,
but to do it in a manner that can also assure their safest possible
conditions.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:  This is a new bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:  None noted, as the property acquisition would be
under current appropriations.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  This act would take effect immediately.