A Proud History Of Serving The People of New York

In 1950, the 81st Congress passed Public Law #920, entitled “The Civil Defense Act of 1950” authorizing a Federal Civil Defense Program. In 1951, the New York State Legislature enacted the “Defense Emergency Act” requiring New York City to recruit, train, and equip a volunteer Auxiliary Police force, who would then act as a liaison to the NYPD in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. In 1967, A Mayoral Executive Order closed the Civil Defense Headquarters and placed full responsibility of the Auxiliary Police Program with the NYPD. During the 1960’s when crime was on the rise, uniform Auxiliary Police patrols were an effective means to deter crime. The NYPD Auxiliary Police have been effective in providing assistance during major events and emergencies such as the NYC Marathon, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Borough Harmony Picnics, Y2K, 9/11, and emergency blackouts.

Auxiliary officers improve the impression of police "omnipresence" by patrolling in squad cars, on foot and on bicycle. The cars, known as RMPs or Radio Motor Patrols, are dark blue as opposed to the NYPD's white car RMPs. Auxiliary officers wear virtually the same uniform as regular officers, and are equipped with police radios (directly linked to the Central Dispatcher), flashlights, handcuffs, and nightsticks. Their badge is a seven point star, in contrast to the NYPD's shield. If officers see a crime in progress, they report it to Central Dispatch using their portable radios. Auxiliary Police act primarily as the eyes and ears of the police department. Before becoming auxiliaries, recruits go through 53 hours of training.

Their patrol presence and keen observation and reporting of incidents requiring regular police response, as well as interaction with the public, aides in crime reduction and enhances police-community relations. Another important function of Auxiliary Police volunteers is serving as a citizen ready reserve in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. Generally, however, Auxiliaries are used for omnipresence and as a force multiplier to assist regular police in non-weapon/minimal danger incidents.