Bill > S07561

This bill, known as the "Wandering Officers Act," amends the executive law to establish stricter regulations for hiring police officers. Specifically, the bill empowers the civil service council to create rules that prohibit the provisional or permanent appointment of a police officer under certain circumstances: if the individual has previously been fired from a police position in any jurisdiction, if they left a police job while under investigation or facing potential termination, or if they resigned while criminal charges were pending related to actions committed while on duty. The goal of the legislation is to prevent problematic officers from moving between law enforcement agencies and potentially continuing misconduct by creating a more comprehensive screening process for police hiring. The bill would apply to police officers in any jurisdiction within or outside the state and seeks to enhance accountability and professionalism in law enforcement by creating additional barriers for officers with a history of serious professional or legal issues. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7561