NEW YORK STATE (WRGB) — NEW YORK STATE (WRGB) — The New York State Police are speaking out.
They want to make it clear that they take cases of trooper misconduct seriously, as they respond to recent incidents covered in the news.
Most recently, State Police ordered an investigation into one of their own executive staff members over allegations that a high-ranking official used their credentials to gain access to the Ryder Cup golf event on Long Island.
That’s according to the Times Union.
In a statement Tuesday, the State Police superintendent pushed back against accusations of lax discipline and low morale within the department:
STATEMENT BY NEW YORK STATE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT STEVEN G. JAMESFor more than a century, the New York State Police has served the people of this state with honor, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Every day, thousands of dedicated members put on the uniform, understanding they are entrusted not only with authority but with the confidence of the communities they serve. That trust is sacred.For those who regularly pay attention to the news, that might not seem to be the case. Over the past few months, there have been stories about misconduct, accusations of lax discipline, and low morale.We respect and accept the role of a free press and watchdog journalism, but there is a tendency toward reporting that focuses on the dishonorable actions of a few, while the great majority of our members serve with the professionalism and integrity demanded by the job. Thankfully, that is recognized by the public. We continue to see strong public support from those who witness firsthand the dedication and sacrifice of our members.We are professional, mission focused, and grounded in service. Our members respond to violent crime, protect vulnerable communities, safeguard critical infrastructure, support disaster response, and partner with local agencies across every region of New York. From complex criminal investigations to highway safety enforcement, from counterterrorism initiatives to meaningful community engagement, the men and women of this agency deliver measurable results that enhance safety statewide.We also recognize that no organization of our size is immune to lapses in judgment or conduct. When any member falls short of the standards we demand, we address it directly. We do not minimize misconduct, and we do not excuse it. Accountability within the New York State Police is not symbolic; it is decisive. Over the past 24 months, personnel actions, including demotions, terminations, and strengthened disciplinary outcomes, have been imposed where conduct failed to meet our values and expectations. When standards are violated, consequences follow. That is how integrity is preserved.At the same time, we have continued to strengthen the institution itself. We have advanced investigative and analytical technologies to improve case resolution and intelligence sharing. We have modernized safety equipment to better protect our members and the public they serve, including enhancements to body worn camera systems, in car technology, protective equipment, and specialized response capabilities. These improvements are operational enhancements designed to increase transparency, officer safety, and public confidence.The results are evident in the public safety successes our members achieve every day, disrupting violent criminal networks, removing illegal firearms, combating auto theft and fraud schemes, protecting children and vulnerable adults, and providing critical support during emergencies and major incidents. Much of this work is done without fanfare, but its impact is tangible in safer roads, stronger cases, and communities that can live, work, and thrive more securely.We are proud of this organization not because we claim perfection, but because we demand excellence. We hold ourselves accountable. We invest in our people. We adapt to evolving threats. And above all, we remain steadfast in our duty to protect the people of New York with professionalism, integrity, and honor.That is the standard. And that is our promise.Steven G. JamesSuperintendentNew York State PoliceAlbany, NY