Juvenile and Adult Probation

The Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (DPCA), within the Executive Branch of state government, is the regulatory and standard-setting agency. It issues rules and procedures for the delivery of adult and juvenile probation services, as well as numerous other alternatives programs. The DPCA monitors services and reimburses localities for approved expenditures; provides training (Fundamentals of Probation Practice and Peace Officer) and approves training provided directly by local probation agencies; and provides technical assistance to local probation personnel. County probation departments supervise juveniles and adults on probation.

In New York State all Probation Officers are Peace Officers and are entitled to carry weapons. All officers are mandated to undergo initial firearms training. However, it is up to the County Probation Director to determine if officers are to be armed while on duty and if they are able to exercise the power to arrest.

There are no private companies providing probation supervision services.

Juvenile Parole

Juvenile services are organized with state and local agencies. The local agencies administer probation services and the state agency administers aftercare services.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), is a branch of the New York State Department of Family Assistance. OCFS’s Division of Rehabilitative Services – Bureau of Juvenile Aftercare, oversees aftercare services to adjudicated juveniles leaving OCFS’s placement and employs aftercare counselors to provide community supervision.

Aftercare Counselors do not carry a firearm. They typically provide supervision, case management and treatment to OCFS youth.

They are not classified as peace officers. They do have the power to revoke release, through a due process hearing. They are empowered to supervise and apprehend youth under placement under the Executive Law.

There is an OCFS policy that prohibits juvenile aftercare counselors from carrying a firearm.

At the time of the survey, it was not under consideration to allow these counselors to carry a firearm.

There are contracts with a few private agencies that provide juvenile aftercare supervision. These agencies do not carry a firearm.

Adult Parole

The New York State Division of Parole is in the Executive Department. It is responsible for community protection and the supervision of offenders released from state prisons.

Parole officers in New York State are required to carry a firearm. They are classified as peace officers with powers of arrest. New York’s firearm policy was instituted in 1930.

Upon completion of testing, careful background investigations, interview and selection of parole officer candidates, new parole officers must successfully complete basic recruit training. The firearms component of recruit training is conducted by state certified Division firearm instructors per state standards set by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The training includes both classroom and range instruction. Recruits must pass at least two qualifying courses of firearms and demonstrate appropriate firearms handling skills in order to graduate and be issued a firearm by the Division. Current recruit training provides seven days of firearms training.

After the first year, all peace officers participate in a minimum of two firearms training programs annually. One session consists of a standard qualification, which is set higher than the minimum state requirement. The other program consists of realistic tactical firearms training such as low light firing; barricade shooting, moving and shooting. Additional basic and advanced firearm training is made available to the officers.

Officers are required to carry a 9mm that is provided by the state.

There are no private companies providing adult parole supervision.

For updates or corrections to the information on this page, please contact: Diane Kincaid