City of Niagara Falls Police Department Police Academy Information

Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy

The State of New York, by virtue of Chapter 446 of the Laws of 1959, became the first state in the nation to establish basic training for newly appointed police officers. This was accomplished by creating the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC), as well as promulgating rules and regulations with respect to the content and presentation of required training. Statutorily, the MPTC is obligated to recommend for the Governor’s promulgation minimum requirements for conducting the Basic Course for Police Officers. The MPTC was also given responsibility of making recommendations regarding police training schools, instructor qualifications and categories/classification of in-service training.

According to Section 209-q of the General Municipal Law, all persons seeking permanent appointment as a municipal police officer (including sheriff’s deputies) after July 1, 1960 must complete an MPTC approved Basic Course for Police Officers as a condition precedent to such appointment. Basic police training must be completed within one year from the date of original appointment. Currently, regulation stipulates that an MPTC approved Basic Course must consist of at least 510 hours of instruction in specified areas.

In 1967, Chapter 671 increased the responsibilities of the MPTC by requiring establishment of a course of training for police officers appointed to supervisory positions.

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