Albany, N.Y. - Governor Cuomo has issued a memo that merges state Park Police with State Police.
The move is being done in part to address the soaring attendance numbers at parks across the Empire State. The governor says this merger will help better protect the 74 million people who visit New York parks and historic sites each year.
Age restrictions have been waived for Park Police officers, allowing them to apply to become troopers should they meet the necessary fitness requirements. Those officers would also have to pass a background check, drug test and medical exam.
Anyone who doesn't meet the guidelines or who doesn't want to apply will be able to keep their current job.