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1. Can park rangers make arrests?

Park rangers are authorized by state law to make arrests, issue court appearance summonses, and to take reasonable actions to prevent and deter criminal activity and apprehend offenders.

2. Do any park ranger duties fall outside a park or beach?

Yes, park rangers actively enforce fire zone and handicap parking restrictions in shopping centers, apartment complexes, and office building parking areas as well as all posted parking restrictions on Town of Smithtown streets. They work closely with other law enforcement agencies and are present to assist with parades and special events throughout the year.

3. Do I need to be a resident of Smithtown to use the Smithtown parks and beaches?

Yes. Town of Smithtown facilities are restricted to town residents. Town of Smithtown resident parking permits are available to request online at Citizen Connect, (tocite.net/smithtownny/portal) by creating an account and uploading a photocopy of your vehicle registration. Parking permits also available through the Town Clerk's Office, by presenting a driver’s license and vehicle registration issued to a Town of Smithtown address.

The Town Clerk’s Office is located at 99 W. Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787.

4. How does someone become a park ranger?

The first step is to sign up for and take the Suffolk County Civil Service Park Ranger exam. A list of exams and dates can be found on the Civil Service website. Once you take the exam you will be placed on an eligibility list, which is sorted by score. All towns must hire full time park rangers from this list.

5. In addition to attending an academy, do park rangers receive any other training?

Park rangers receive additional training continuously throughout their career. Training consists of many different areas. Required annual recertification or re-qualification training, CPR and first aid, officer safety training and in-service department training.

6. What are some the park ranger’s duties and responsibilities?

Smithtown Park Rangers are law enforcement officers entrusted in maintaining peace and good order at all parks, beaches and Town owned property. Uniformed park rangers actively patrol in marked vehicles and enforce all federal, state and local laws to accomplish this mission. They also inform and educate Town residents on rules, regulations and safety within Town parks and beaches. Park rangers enforce Town of Smithtown parking regulations throughout the township, including all fire zone and handicap restrictions in all shopping centers.

7. What are the hours of the Park Ranger Division?

The Park Ranger Division and the Department of Public Safety Emergency Operations Center operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be contacted at (631) 360-7553 at any time.

8. Who are Smithtown Park Rangers?

Smithtown Department of Public Safety Park Rangers are New York State Peace Officers. Full time Park Rangers must pass several Suffolk County Civil Service requirements including a written exam, physical agility test, medical and psychological evaluations to be considered a candidate. All park rangers must attend and graduate from either a Peace Officer or Police Officer academy and be certified through New York State Department of Criminal Justice.