Park Rangers are highly trained law enforcement specialists, dedicated to preserving the peace associated with a park environment. Suffolk County Park Rangers are New York State Peace Officers and their appointment to the position is made after a competitive process that includes qualifying medical, psychological and physical agility evaluation. They must obtain or have a NYS Peace Officer Training Certificate or Police Officer Training Certificate recognized by the NYS Municipal Police Training Council.

The Suffolk County Park Rangers began as a patrol force in 1969 and have protected the citizens of Suffolk County and Suffolk County Parklands for over 50 years. Suffolk County parkland encompass over 65,000 acres stretching from Montauk and Orient Point to the Nassau County border, and is one of the largest County Park systems in the United States.

Suffolk County Park Rangers continue to provide police services consistent with the County Parks' mission: to provide safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities for Suffolk County residents and visitors. The Park Rangers operate in a wide variety of locations - from popular ocean beaches, to the Pine Barrens and areas of rugged terrain.

Typically, the Suffolk County Park Rangers handle very large crowds, assist park users, search for and rescue missing persons, make arrests, conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations, enforce beach and park regulations and rules, NYS environmental conservation laws, and provide emergency services wherever and whenever they are needed.

The Park Rangers plan and conduct police and public safety operations for large public assemblies in the County Parks. Suffolk County Park Rangers patrol in marked police cars, four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, as well as on foot to maintain order and preserve public property.

How to become a Suffolk County Park Ranger

Learn more about how to become a Suffolk County Park Ranger.