John Tedesco Chief of Police
MAIN STATION: 55 STATE STREET. - TROY, NY 12180 - (518) 270-4421

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT

We recognize that our community and local government have to be equal shareholders in the crime fighting business, but that we are ultimately answerable to the citizens, as they are the guardians of the constitution and all our freedoms. As shareholders we want our agency members dealing with our partners justly and committed to the following STP motto, as we venture into the next century.

Service is a pledge to render aid, contributing to the welfare of others. It is a call beyond duty to extend one's self, occasionally outside our self-imposed boundaries, to be helpful.

Trust is the development of a sense of assurance, by the community, of our character, ability, strength and truth in our relationships with them. Our commitment to administer a steadfast, but compassionate response to calls for service, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, or sexual preference, without favor is the cornerstone of our trust building endeavor.

Professionalism is the skilled and proficient delivery of police service, conforming to the ethical and technical standards of our vocation.

THE CITY OF TROY, NEW YORK

The City of Troy, New York is located 7 miles north of the state Capital, Albany. Troy is 9.5 sq. miles in size and is situated on the historic Hudson River. The Village of Troy was settled in 1786 and incorporated as a City in 1816. Troy at one time was an industrial city thriving on heavy industry. Beginning during the Great Depression and to this day all heavy industry has moved from the city. In time, Troy phased from a manufacturing focus to a service-orientated focus. These services include business such as law firms, light manufacturing, NY state offices, and higher education. As of January 1, 2005 there are 117 sworn police officers. There is a civilian support staff of 13 full time personnel and 32 part time school crossing guards serving a population of approximately 50,000. This does not include the daily influx of approximately 20,000 students to the three colleges located within the city. This population is very diverse, and still has pockets of ethnic neighborhoods.

OUR PATCH

The Troy Police Department shoulder patch was designed in the early 60's and depicts the symbol of Uncle Sam on the State of New York. During the war of 1812, Sam Wilson was a meat packer (meat used to be packed in barrels) living in Troy, New York. Each barrel of meat rations was stamped US, before it was shipped to the soldiers. The soldiers of that time equated their United States supplied rations with Uncle Sam Wilson. The story grew to mythological proportions, resulting in a somewhat fictional image of Sam Wilson emerging as the white bearded, red-white-and-blue clad symbol of America. The best known Uncle Sam image originated over fifty years ago as part of a war-time recruitment poster, encouraging qualified citizens to join the armed forces. In addition to the bald eagle and the stars and stripes, this made Sam Wilson one of the United States most recognized national symbols.

The 87th Congress of the United States adopted a Resolution on September 15, 1961, "Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives that the Congress salutes Uncle Sam Wilson of Troy, New York, as the progenitor of America's National symbol of Uncle Sam".

THE DEPARTMENT

Chief of Police
John Tedesco
(518) 270-4442

Deputy Chief
Richard McAvoy
(518) 270-4444

Patrol Division
Assistant Chief: Anthony Magnetto (518) 270-4780
1st Platoon Commander: Captain Daniel Dewolf
2nd Platoon Commander: Captain Mitchell Paurowski
3rd Platoon Commander: Captain Brian Owens

• Patrol 4 zones within the City
• Approximately 40,000 calls for service annually
• Contact Platoon Commanders at (518) 270-4425

Community Services Bureau
Captain: Rick Sprague (518) 270-4689

• Community Policing Unit
  • Civil Enforcement Unit
  • Nuisance Abatement Enforcement
  • Investigate traffic complaints and major crashes
  • Traffic safety programs and training
  • Motorcycle patrol
  • Child seat install and inspections
• Traffic
  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
  • D.W.I. Enforcement
• Special Operations Section
  • Drug Tip Line (518) 270-5004
  • Narcotics
  • Vice
  • Prostitution

Detective Unit
Captain: Robert Paul (518) 270-4426

• All Investigations
• Missing and Exploited Children
• Domestic Violence Investigation
• Gang Intelligence
• Juvenile
• Sex Offender Registry

Internal Affairs
Captain: Terrance Buchanan (518) 270-4414

• Internal Affairs Process
• Police Objective Review Committee Liason
• Internal Inspections

Any citizen who is dissatisfied with police services or believes they have witnessed or been a victim of police misconduct can file a complaint:

In person at any police facility or by telephone to the Internal Affairs Unit at (518) 270-4414.

Administrative Services
Deputy Chief: Richard McAvoy (518) 270-4444

• Administrative Assistant: Claudia Mahoney 270-4525
• Training: Captain John Cooney 270-4435
• Planning: Captain George Vanbramer 270-4446
• Property:William Gillett 270-4434
• Garage: Supervisor Christopher Wood 270-5653
• Mechanic: Robert Paloski 270-5653
• Payroll: Tara Bombard 270-4443
• Records: Sgt. Stephen Seney 270-4653

Below are some examples of crime emergencies that should be reported by calling 9-1-1

• Fights, sexual assaults, etc.
• Homicides
• Burglaries and robberies
• Flashlight beam in a business or home, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away
• Domestic violence
• Child and elder abuse
• Sounds of gunshots, screaming, barking dogs, breaking glass, explosions, alarms, etc.
• Hit and run accidents with possible injuries
• Vehicles containing weapons or property not normally kept in vehicles
• Ongoing dumping of fuel or other hazardous substances
• Road hazards that require immediate attention to prevent personal injuries and property damage
• Graffiti and other acts of vandalism in progress
• Runaway juvenile or missing person who needs special care -- be sure to tell the operator if the person needs medication and has a special problem, e.g., Alzheimer's disease

Persons who are….

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Entering a neighbor's home when the neighbor is away
• Forcing an entry of a home, business, or vehicle
• Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms that poses a threat to him/herself or others
• Removing property from a business, home, or vehicle, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away
• Carrying or wearing bloody clothing
• Struggling with a resisting child
• Trying to or actually using a vehicle to pick up a person by force, especially a child or female

When should I call 9-1-1?
When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.

Do I have to give my name when I call 9-1-1?
If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.

What should I do if I see a crime occurring ?

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Be observant and make mental notes.
• Are there any weapons involved?
• What is the address?
• Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
• Any clothing description?
• How many people involved?
• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

How do I teach my children to Use 9-1-1?

• Never say "nine eleven." There is no eleven on a telephone keypad or dial. Always say "nine-one-one."
• Always call from a safe place. If there is a fire in the house, get out first and then call.
• Post your address near the phone.
• Never call 9-1-1 as a prank or joke. You can get into trouble and keep someone who really needs help from getting it in time.
• 9-1-1 is not for animal emergencies. Leave the number for the vet next to the phone. If you need to reach the City's Dog Warden call (518) 270-4640.
• Call 9-1-1 if you think you have an emergency and explain the situation to the dispatcher. If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, don't hang up. Explain the mistake to the dispatcher and say there is NO EMERGENCY.

The City of Troy Police Department's response to non-emergency calls will depend on the relative seriousness or priority of the situation, the likelihood of making an arrest at the scene, and the availability of an officer. Response times are the longest for so-called "cold crimes" like home burglaries where the perpetrator has fled the scene, no suspects exist, and the victim is in no further danger.

Below are some example situations that may not be emergencies:

• Home and business burglaries in which the suspect is gone from the scene
• Open or broken doors or windows in businesses or homes, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away
• Stolen checks and credit cards -- also call the financial institutions involved to have them stop payments of checks and verifications of charges
• Impersonation and stolen identification, e.g., drivers license
• Auto theft and vandalism
• Hit and run accidents with no injuries
• Minors violating curfew
• Loud parties -- the person calling must be willing to sign a complaint
• Road hazards that don't require immediate attention
• Past instances of graffiti or other vandalism
• Past instances of child or elder abuse
• Runaway juvenile or missing adult who does not need special care
• Car or building alarms
• Underage drinking
• Accumulations of consumer goods, especially in good condition and not in use in homes, garages, and storage areas

Persons who are…

• Disturbing the peace, i.e., loitering, panhandling, noise making, and harassing others

• Soliciting without a license, not displaying a valid registration card, or operating between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
• Going door-to-door, or into side or back yards in a residential area
• Loitering near a business or home, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away
• Loitering near schools or parks
• Looking into parked vehicles
• Running other than for exercise
• Carrying property at an unusual time and place
• Entering and leaving property on daily or regular basis, or in large numbers, especially at night
• Drunk in public but not in any immediate danger
• Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms but not a danger to themselves or others
• Offering goods for sale at ridiculously low prices
• Making a quick change of vehicles

How can I get a copy of a police report?
Stop by the Troy Police Department or submit a written request for the report through the US mail. The written request must contain: Date of incident, time of incident, location of incident, parties involved, incident report number (if known).

Mail your request to:
City of Troy Police Department
Attention Records Division
55 State Street Troy, N.Y. 12180

How can I get a copy of my criminal record?
You may obtain a copy of your own local criminal history information by stopping by the Troy Police Department Records Division located at 55 State St., Troy, N.Y., Monday thru Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. You MUST have a picture identification with you.

How can I get a police clearance letter (proof of no criminal record)?
You may obtain a clearance letter by stopping by the Troy Police Department Records Division located at 55 State St., Troy, N.Y., Monday thru Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. You MUST have a picture identification with you.

How do I report a crime?
The ability of the police to locate and arrest criminals often depends on the thoroughness and accuracy of the report you submit. The following information checklist should be used for reporting both emergency and non-emergency crimes:

• Type of crime
• Location: exact street address and nearest cross street
• Time of occurrence
• Weapons used
• Number of persons injured and types of injuries
• Vehicle information: type, license number, color, year, make, model, unusual characteristics (e.g., dents, bumper stickers), number of persons, etc.
• Suspect information: race, gender, age, height, weight, hair color, hair length and style, eye color, facial hair, clothing type and color, other characteristics (e.g., tattoos, missing teeth, scars, glasses), direction of flight, etc.