The New York State Park Police provides police services consistent with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's mission-to provide safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities for New York State residents and visitors.

New York State Park Police also provide special services including marine law enforcement and education duties on New York waterways, snowmobile enforcement and education, and rope rescue teams.

It is characterized by paramilitary drills, daily inspections, intense physical demands, discipline, and rigorous training.

Recruits typically report to the academy each Sunday evening for the work week, and then return home for the weekend.

[2] New York State Park Police officers patrol in marked police cars, four-wheel drive vehicles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, boats, personal water crafts, and in one region they ride horses.