Benefits of being an APO in Central Park:

1. The Auxiliary Police Unit in Central Park Precinct is like a family. We are a group of fun loving GUYS and GIRLS (YES..GIRLS!!), and we have a great time both in and out of the precinct, through social gatherings, dinners, BBQ's etc. We are both occupationally and ethnically diverse. (Our members include finance consultants, scientists, MTA supervisors, computer programmers, media personnel just to name a few). Therefore, joining us is like joining a family.

2. This opportunity provides excellent opportunity to learn how to communicate with the community. Since APO's patrol in uniform (and in pairs), they share in maintaining the integrity of The Police Department and help strengthen community bonds.

3. The satisfaction of helping the Central Park Community (Police Department, Park Conservancy, Park's Enforcement, New York Road Runners, ASPCA, and the hundreds of people who use the park each day ). You may also attend Central Park Community meetings. In addition, this is a great introduction to a law enforcement environment, for those of you who are thinking of police work as a career path.(i.e. NYPD, Federal Law Enforcement, etc.). The unit has close bonds to the regular cops in the precinct who are in turn grateful to have the help of Auxiliary Police Officers.

4. This looks great on your resume under "Community Service", even if you don't wish to be a cop. Our unit instills good leadership skills. It does stand out! (for those of you applying to Business School/Law School/Med school/and the like.).

5. Opportunities for promotion (i.e. Aux. Sergeant, Lieutenant and more).

6. Allows you to develop preparedness skill for emergency situations. APO's during the 9/11 incident were at time the only police presence in the park, and during the blackout APO's assisted with traffic control, so that regulars could deal with other police situations.

7. Being an APO in Central Park is a fine way to learn the geography of Central Park! The park is a great place with many faces. Its diverse terrain appears different, depending on season..or even time of day.

8. Allows you to part of a great community and meet many new people.

9. Allows you to be a part of the greatest and most famous Police Department in the world. Being a part of the NYPD, is like "having front row tickets to the greatest show on earth!!!!"