Gallivan Introduces Bill To Help Laid-Off NFTA Police Officers Get Back To Work

Eliminates Bureaucratic Red-Tape Preventing Experienced Cops From Landing New Jobs

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – 59th District) introduced legislation today to allow the 20 recently laid-off Niagara Transportation Authority (NFTA) police officers to transfer to law enforcement job openings that may exist with nearby departments.

“Everyone in Western New York knows that the NFTA is facing a difficult financial situation, and is taking a series of actions to address its $15 million deficit, one of which was to eliminate about one-fifth of the Authority’s police force,” said Gallivan. “These men and women are trained, certified and experienced law enforcement professionals who deserve the chance to bring their skill and experience to nearby communities who may need them.”

Gallivan’s bill enables the laid off NFTA officers to apply for other area law enforcement positions by stipulating that current professionally-administered NFTA police officer examinations are considered competitive for civil service purposes and are eligible for consideration by local police departments.

“The NFTA police training and certification processes are essentially identical to those of other departments. Officers are appointed based on merit, examination scores, and completion of a certified Police Academy course requiring a minimum of 500 hours,” said Gallivan. “The Western New York economy is hurting, and by eliminating a little administrative red tape we can provide employment opportunities to these trained professionals, while making highly qualified candidates available to many local law enforcement organizations.”

Senator Gallivan’s legislation (S.6347) is being carried in the Assembly by Buffalo Assemblywoman, Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

Western New York Senators George Maziarz, Mark Grisanti, and Tim Kennedy have signified their support for Gallivan’s legislation.

Prior to serving in the State Senate, Senator Gallivan served as a Trooper with the State Police and as Sheriff of Erie County.

The official legislation can be found at http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6347-2011