[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Wappingers Falls 10-11-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023. Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter is enacted pursuant to the New York State Constitution, Article IX, § 2, Subdivision c(ii)10, and New York State Municipal Home Rule Law § 10, Subdivision 1(ii)a(12).
In order to supplement the Village of Wappingers Falls Police Department on those occasions when the manpower available is insufficient to meet the demands of the Village of Wappingers Falls, the Village Board of Trustees does hereby enact this chapter creating a constabulary within the Village of Wappingers Falls to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety, comfort, welfare and well-being of the inhabitants of the Village.
There is hereby created in the Village of Wappingers Falls the position of Village Constable.
A. 
The Mayor, with the consent of the Board of Trustees, is hereby authorized to appoint as many constables as the Village Board may determine necessary to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety, comfort, welfare and well-being of the inhabitants of the Village.
B. 
Each constable shall serve at the pleasure of the Village Board and may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause.
C. 
Each constable shall serve a one-year term of office.
A. 
The constables shall have the status and powers of "peace officers" as defined by § 2.10 of the Criminal Procedure Law, after having satisfied the minimum training requirements; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to authorize the constables to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm unless the appropriate license therefor has been issued pursuant to § 400 of the Penal Law.
B. 
The constables shall have all the power and authority conferred upon constables by the general laws of the state.
C. 
The constables shall be subject to the general authority and direction of the Village Board. The constables shall serve the Village Board under the administrative direction of the Police Commissioner, or officer in charge, if applicable, who shall be responsible for the administration, training, order, operation and discipline of the constables. The constables shall be considered employees for the purposes of indemnification pursuant to the provisions of § 18 of the Public Officers Law and for the purpose of workers' compensation pursuant to the provisions of § 2 of the Workers' Compensation Law while actually performing duties authorized herein.
D. 
The Village Board, upon consideration of the recommendations of the Police Commissioner, shall have the authority to establish ranks and to make promotions among said constables on the basis of seniority, meritorious service and supervisory capabilities. On behalf of the Village Board, the Police Commissioner shall keep a complete service record of each constable.
E. 
The Village Board is hereby authorized to appropriate funds as the Village Board may determine necessary for the training and equipment of constables.
The Mayor is authorized to make rules and regulations as may be required for the efficient administration of such constable force and shall also provide, within the limits of any appropriation and subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, the following:
A. 
A training program for constables, which may or may not be in cooperation with any police agency or the Sheriffs office. Subtraining shall conform to the minimum standards for training peace officers as may be established by the Bureau of Municipal Police.
B. 
Liability insurance for such constables, which shall protect the constable and Village from acts of liability that may arise during the performance of duties as constables.
C. 
Workers' compensation, accidental injury insurance, disability insurance or life insurance as shall be agreed between the constables and the Village.
D. 
For the payment of constables for services rendered upon an hourly basis and provided for the assignment of constables to duty.
E. 
Uniforms and equipment for constables as may be necessary or desirable to carry out the duties of the office.
F. 
Authorization for the carrying of firearms only when trained to the minimum standards required of police officers.
G. 
An annual physical examination, the passage of which shall be successful prior to any appointment or reappointment.