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Housing Authority Officers patrol grounds, cellars, roofs, stairwells, and elevators of public housing
projects. Officers are assigned to housing projects around the clock based on the incidence of crime in
various locations. They conduct investigations of all crimes and disturbances on properties within their
jurisdiction and apprehend and arrest suspects, using physical force or firearms if necessary. As with the
Transit Police, the independence or integration of the Housing Police depends on the philosophy of the
city administration at the time. In any event, all police agencies cooperate closely; the New York City
Police Department provides records, booking, laboratory, and detention services for all divisions
or departments.
Working Conditions
Police Officers work in locations ranging from boroughs, townships, and counties to urban areas of
varying sizes. Working conditions vary considerably according to location, size, organization, and
jurisdiction of the police agency. Officers who work in small towns and rural communities most certainly
face problems that differ from those met by their counterparts in the inner cities of larger urban areas.
There are definite differences in pace, types of criminal activities encountered, and availability of
manpower and services needed to provide adequate police protection to the public. But all Police Officers,
regardless of where they work, share certain problems. They constantly deal with human suffering, yet
they must always maintain self-control and act in a calm, efficient manner. They face danger, difficulty,
and frustration, perhaps daily, but can do little to prevent it from happening. They also share the problems
of long, irregular hours and, in some communities, a lack of public support for Police Officers.
As a rule, most Police Officers, while conducting patrols or carrying out other assignments, work
outdoors in all types of weather. Some officers on special duty may perform their duties indoors at police
facilities. Depending on the size of the department, Police Officers may work alone or may have a partner.
Because police agencies operate 24 hours a day, officers are usually required to work five-day rotating
shifts including holidays and weekends. Police Officers are on call at all times and, during periods of
emergency or manpower shortages, are required to work additional tours of duty. All Police Officers,
regardless of where they work or the size of the employing police agency, must live with the very real
threat of physical injury or death. The apprehension of suspects who may be armed and dangerous,
situations involving high-speed chases, or the rescue of individuals attempting suicide are some of the
possibilities that make this work hazardous. Such hazards should be fully considered by individuals
thinking about a police career. In most police agencies, Police Officers have fringe benefits that include
some or all of the following: paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; overtime pay; life, medical, and
disability insurance; uniform allowances; tuition-assistance or -refund programs for college studies; and
retirement pension. In some departments, officers may retire after 20 years of service if they are between
50 and 55 years of age. In departments with different standards, Police Officers may retire after 20 years
of service regardless of age.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
Following the completion of training, new officers are assigned to work under the supervision of a veteran
officer. The experienced officer evaluates their work performance from time to time during the
probationary period, which may last one year to 18 months. New officers may also team with experienced
officers who provide them with practical instruction and field experience. After successfully completing
the probationary period, these officers become permanent licensed or certified law enforcement officers;
they are sworn in and are awarded a badge.
Once entry into this work is made, promotional prospects are generally good and are usually governed
by merit or civil service system regulations. Police Officers as a rule become eligible for promotion after
