Administration

The Administrative Services Bureau (ASB) was established in 1975 to fulfill planning and training needs as determined by command staff and the Chief of Police. Grant research and writing became a key role within the unit and resulted in the award of significant grant dollars used for training and revision of the departmental rules and regulations, culminating with the first ever comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Albany Police Department.

Staff

At its inception, the Administrative Services Bureau was commanded by a police captain and was staffed with two Planning and Research Officers, two Personnel/Training Officers, two Inspectional Services/Internal Affairs Officers and a secretary. Over time in an effort to respond to the demands of an ever-changing law enforcement landscape, the unit has evolved to better serve the department and the people who live and work in the City of Albany. Currently the Assistant Chief of Administration commands the Administrative Services Bureau and a Lieutenant oversees the day-to-day operations. The bureau consists of several smaller units each of which provides an integral service to the department, including:

  • Central Records
  • Community Services Unit
  • Computer and Technology Unit
  • Firearms Training
  • Training Unit

Personnel assigned to those units consist of 2 sergeants, 11 patrol officers, and 16 civilians.

Responsibilities

The Administrative Services Bureau oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of the Police Department, including, training, record keeping, grant research and writing. Administrative Services also compiles and submits monthly Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data for the New York State (NYS) Division of Criminal Justice Services in addition to fulfilling requests for statistics for various entities such as local colleges, neighborhood groups, Business Improvement Districts, etc.

The Administrative Services Bureau is also responsible for maintaining the departments' Standard Operating Procedures and policies and ensuring that they are in compliance with guidelines and standards established by the NYS Accreditation Program. The NYS Accreditation Program is recognized as a barometer for police departments throughout the state to ensure their policies meet the highest level of professionalism. The Albany Police Department has been an accredited agency since 1999.

Training Unit

The Albany Police Department's training unit is responsible for providing and coordinating all mandatory and in-service training, and specialized training for all of the departments sworn and civilian personnel. Some of the training topics include:

  • Cultural diversity
  • Job specific training for those units that require specialized training for the performance of their duties
  • Leadership training for supervisors
  • Legal updates
  • Right to know issues/updates
  • Specialized training for the departments Emergency Services Team
  • Tactical training for patrol officers

The Training Unit is also the liaison for the department in coordinating training with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies including recruit and in-service training with the Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Center.

Firearms Training

The Albany Police Department conducts firearms training and qualifications bi-annually for sworn personnel, and specialized firearms training for tactical and specialized units. We also provide instruction for the basic school for police officers and assist other local law enforcement agencies as needed with their firearms training.

The department range officer is also is responsible for overseeing the training in less than lethal weapons, such as pepper spray and tasers.

Community Services Unit

The Albany Police Departments Community Services Unit is comprised of a Sergeant and three Police Officers who provide services to and for the citizens and businesses of the City of Albany.

Some of the services that are provided include:

  • Child Safety Seat Check/Installation
  • Citizens Police Academy
  • Home or Business Security Surveys
  • Quality of Life Issues and Enforcement
  • Recruitment
  • Safety Presentations for community groups and businesses
  • School Liaison Officer Program
  • School Truancy Officer Program
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Etch Program