Senator Farley Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy To Train State Parole Officers

Schenectady County leaders today announced that the Senator Hugh T. Farley Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy on Erie Boulevard in downtown Schenectady has been selected to train over 40 new State Parole Officers. Many of the trainees will stay at the Holiday Inn in Schenectady. The new Parole Officers will receive training in police and criminal justice best practices at the newly renovated police training center. The first class of parole trainees will be in Schenectady this fall with additional classes planned for next spring.

"This is exactly what we hoped for when County and City officials worked closely with Senator Farley to bring the Zone Five Academy to Schenectady County," said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the County Legislature. "We welcome the State Division of Parole and their new recruits to our community. This is great for our economy and adds to the safety and vibrancy of downtown."

New York State Division of Parole Executive Director Anthony G. Ellis II said, "The New York State Division of Parole has long been committed to supporting community law enforcement efforts. This state-of-the-art training facility will allow Parole Officers and our colleagues in the law enforcement throughout this region to work collaboratively to reduce crime."

Senator Hugh T. Farley said, "This is excellent Statewide recognition of the fine work of our local Zone Five Law Enforcement Training Academy. We welcome the State Division of Parole to Schenectady. This new training opportunity provides further proof that bringing Zone Five to Schenectady was a great addition to our community and I am pleased to continue to support this effort."

Mayor Brian U. Stratton said, "Zone Five was a major win for Schenectady and a great launch project for the Erie Edison Technology corridor. The presence of more than 2,000 police officials, local sheriffs and now Division of Parole personnel in our community each year benefits residents and businesses alike downtown."

Last year, the Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy selected Schenectady County over competing sites for the new law enforcement training facility. Senator Farley and Metroplex provided a combination of loans and grants to purchase the former IUE union hall on Erie Boulevard and renovate it for use as the new training center.

In addition to providing training for new and existing police officers, sheriffs and other law enforcement personnel, the goal of the project was to find a good adaptive re-use of the former union hall, bring additional people to downtown Schenectady and increase the safety and security by having hundreds of police officials coming into the City each week for training.

The NYS Division of Parole has more than 1,200 sworn parole officers working across the State. Following training in Schenectady, the new recruits will be deployed at Parole Field Offices and Department of Correctional Facilities in Upstate New York.