Community Police

Our primary focus is on the people in our community. We work in a proactive way, getting to know the people who live and work around us. We believe that by interacting with communities we can reduce crime and increase the Quality of Life for the people we serve.

We have also made ourselves more visible on the streets of Troy by patrolling on bicycles, and foot which gives us the chance to interact closely with the community.

All Community Police unit officers spend time giving presentations in local schools and to various community and professional groups. The subjects range from abuse to bicycle safety to drug/alcohol awareness.

To open lines of communication, several officers interact in an informal setting on a daily basis within the schools before and after class. This contact provides both the youth and the officers excellent opportunities to meet one another.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about any of the programs we offer, please call 518-270-4689 or write to us at:

Troy Police Department
Attention: Community Police
55 State Street
Troy, NY 12180

Programs

Trespass Affidavit Program

This particular program is available to property owners who are having trouble with illegal activity in their building.

  • Encompasses approximately 32 commercial and residential properties.
  • Majority of properties registered have complaints of loiterers, drug dealing.
  • Property owner/agent completes affidavit and tenant list which allows summary inspections of public portions of property by patrol officers.
  • Persons on property and not a tenant or physically accompanied by tenant are subject to arrest.
  • Signs are given to all property owners and are required to be posted at main entrance to building.
  • Most arrests to date have lead to additional drug-related charges.

Nuisance Abatement Program

Intent is to make property owners aware of nuisances within their buildings. Program does not target landlords who do not reside at building. Most property owners are glad to be advised of the problems within their buildings.

In each instance of a violation, the property owner is sent a letter and copy of the statute. The letter defines the problem and requests the owner to contact the police to discuss the nuisance and explore ways to eliminate or reduce problem.

  • If property accumulates 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months, the owner is taken to a hearing.
  • Mayor can order business/building closed until such time nuisance is abated or for a period of up to one year.
  • In all instances, the police attempt to work with property owner rather than force closure.

Narcotics Eviction Program

Joint program between Corporation Counsel and District Attorney. If drug-related search warrant/arrests take place, property owner is directed by DA to institute eviction proceedings. If property owner fails to comply, Corp. Counsel will initiate eviction and name landlord as party to proceeding. Landlord faces up to $5000 in fines/fees. The letters from DA and Civil Enforcement Unit (NA) appear to achieve desired effect. In some cases, the presiding judge is gives expedited evictions to property owners with NA and NE letters.

School Resource Officers / Cops in Schools

Over the years we have expanded the role Unit officers have played in the Troy and Lansingburgh School Districts. Today, Community Police has one officer primarily assigned to each of the two school districts. This expanded role has provided an invaluable tool to both the school district and the police department. The constant officer presence provides school administrators and law enforcement services personnel a conduit that facilitates the coordinated efforts of services when required. As important, the officer provides a basis for positive interaction with students and police. That positive relationship often provides the officer the ability to be aware of student activity and potential concerns for law enforcement. This institutional knowledge possessed by the officer in the schools often provides the foundation for proactive intervention before issues become a police problem.

Child Seat Install and Inspection

The Troy Police Department is also a low income distribution agency for child safety seats. Seats are free for eligible residents. Contact us at 518-270-4689 for information on eligibility or to make an appointment for installation.

Landlord Training

Along with being a landlord comes many responsibilities. With this training program, landlords can attend classes to learn what their rights are and how to become more effective at managing their properties. Topics covered include:

  • Preparing the property
  • Applicant screening
  • Promoting community
  • Warning signs of drug activity
  • Dispute resolution
  • The role of the police