Watervliet Police Department

It’s that time of the year again! As school resumes, we want to remind you to be extra careful on the road.

With increased pedestrian traffic and school buses, let’s prioritize safety. Here are some essential reminders:

Crossing guards and police personnel are our safety allies. Their directions ensure smooth traffic flow and protect our students.

When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and stop sign extended, you must stop too. Passing a bus during loading or unloading is both illegal and dangerous.

Use designated drop-off areas. Avoid double parking or stopping in the middle of the road—it creates chaos and endangers everyone.
Let’s keep traffic flowing smoothly and kids safe.

Our dedicated officers will be patrolling near The Watervliet Elementary School (25th Street) and The Watervliet High School (12th Avenue/Hillside Drive).

These school zones have reduced speed limits. Please respect them

Wishing everyone a safe and successful school year!

NEWS RELEASE

9/3/2024

"Stolen Guns Recovered After Burglary Arrest"

****OWNER HAS BEEN LOCATED****

** FOUND DOG **

This dog was found in the 19th St / 8th Ave area.

If you recognize this dog, please give us a call at (518)270-3833.

WPD Monthly Snapshot
July 2024

WPD Monthly Snapshot
June 2024

** FOUND DOG **

This dog was found in the 14th St / Broadway area.

If you recognize this dog, please give us a call at (518)270-3833.

NEWS RELEASE

8/16/2024

"Handgun and Drugs Recovered After Man Threatens Person With A Loaded Illegally-Possessed Handgun"

“Coffee With a Cop” Returns!

Join us for another pop-up "Coffee with a Cop" event on August 22nd from 8 AM to 10 AM! This is your chance to meet and chat with members of the Watervliet Police Department about our upcoming police officer examination. If you’re thinking about applying, don’t miss this opportunity to get to know our officers and pick up an application!

Where: Stewart’s Shops, 2002 2nd Ave, Watervliet, NY 12189

When: August 22nd, 2024 8:00 - 10:00 AM

Why Attend?

Engage with our friendly officers and learn more about the application process.

Get your questions answered and gain insights into a rewarding career in law enforcement.

Enjoy a warm cup of coffee on us!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Yesterday members of the Watervliet Police Department had the privilege to team up with Special Olympics New York to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics New York and we had such a blast doing it the Watervliet Professional Firefighters Local 590 joined!

Despite the unforgiving weather over $2,000 was donated by the community to benefit over 31,000 Special Olympics New York athletes!

*** This pup has made it home safe ***

** FOUND DOG **

This dog was found in the Port Schuyler area.

If you recognize this dog, please give us a call at (518)270-3833.

Stop by and see us!

The deadline to take the civil service test to become a police officer has been extended from August 9th to August 22, 2024!

The Watervliet Police Department is looking to fill three open vacancies immediately, so it is highly encouraged to sign up up for the upcoming exam.

To sign up for the civil service test to become a police officer with the Watervliet Police Department, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit https://watervliet.com/upcoming-civil-service-exams/:

2. Complete the application: The application is located on the website. Fill it out with the required information.

3. Submit the application: Send your completed application to the Secretary of Civil Service, Carol Ratigan.

4. Contact for more information: If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can call the Watervliet Civil Service at 518-270-3800 ext. 114.

Make sure to complete your application before the extended deadline of August 22, 2024. Good luck!

Please join us Friday, August 9th from 6 am to 10 am at Dunkin' Donuts (318 19th St) for our annual Cops on Top event to benefit and spread awareness of the Special Olympics of New York

Officers will be inside and out collecting donations and raising awareness for the Special Olympics and the amazing athletes who work hard year-round!

NEWS RELEASE

8/2/2024

"Investigation Leads To Loaded Illegally-Possessed Handgun and Drugs"

National Night Out is back! We are excited to bring National Night Out back to Watervliet again this year on Tuesday, August 6th and we hope you’ll join us.

What is National Night Out (NNO)? NNO is a national initiative created to build police/community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This free event is a night of family fun where we can all join together to make Watervliet a safer, better place for all to call home.

This event will be held at the Watervliet Pool located at 1530 2nd Ave from 5-7pm. Come swim and enjoy food and games!

** FOUND DOG **

This dog was found and dropped off at the Watervliet Police Station

If you recognize this dog, please give us a call at (518)270-3833.

*** UPDATE***
Mariaha has been located

*MISSING PERSON*

Mariaha is a 17-year-old girl who stands 5’10" tall, approximately 150 lbs, and has brown eyes and black hair. Mariaha was last seen in the East Greenbush area on July 20th.

If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the Watervliet Police Department at 518-270-3833.

WPD is seeking a qualified lateral transfer to fill an immediate vacancy

The Watervliet Police Department is seeking qualified NYS certified police officers interested in lateral transfer opportunities.

Email your resume and cover letter to
[email protected]

Visit https://watervlietpolice.com/employment/ for more information.

All questions can be directed to [email protected]

We are hiring!

Visit https://watervliet.com/civil-service/ for information regarding the fast approaching deadline for the upcoming civil service exam!

Exam Date - September 28, 2024
Exam Application Deadline - August 9, 2024

Come see us at the 2024 Capital District Law Enforcement Recruitment Event at Crossgates Mall on Saturday July 27th from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM!

Join us in congratulating Chief Rice on his new journey as the Chief of Police!

Last week members of the Watervliet Police Department and the City of Watervliet as well as many members of various law enforcement agencies around the Capital Region came to support and wish Chief Rice success on his new journey.

Chief Rice joins us with 30 years of law enforcement experience. His knowledge covers all facets of police administration and operations which have been gained throughout his career with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.

He began his career with the Village of Nassau Police Department, later transferring to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office in 1999. In 2001 he was assigned to the Sheriff’s K9 unit. The success he and his K9 partner experienced within that unit led to his first promotion to an Investigator in the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) in 2005. He remained in CIU for 12 years, rising through the ranks as a Senior Investigator in 2012 and Inspector in 2015.

In 2017 Chief Rice was promoted to Deputy Chief of Field Command and supervised all patrol operations to include the airport substation.

In 2019, he was promoted to Undersheriff where he spent the next 5 years as the Executive Officer of several key components of the Sheriff’s Office including Road Patrol, Criminal Investigation Unit, K9 Unit, Emergency Response Team (ERT), Search and Rescue Team (SRT), Albany County Stop DWI program and Sheriff’s Civil Unit.

Upon retiring from the Albany County Sheriff’s office in February 2024, he became the Village of Green Island’s Public Safety Commissioner, supervising the Green Island Fire Department, Police Department, and Village’s Code Enforcement Office.

** FOUND DOG **

This dog was found on the 1800 block of 8th Ave. she is enjoying the air conditioning while waiting for her owner to come retrieve her.

If you recognize this dog, please give us a call at (518)270-3833.

NEWS RELEASE
7/8/2024

Please help support Sgt. Corey Prignon and his family, as they have incurred the devastating loss of their home as a result of a fire. Sgt. Prignon has sacrificed himself to serve our country as a United States Marine and has helped countless individuals while employed as a police officer. Corey is a proud husband and father of three young children, who rely heavily on him.

No words can describe the feeling of unrest and sorrow from losing a home, personal belongings, and the sentimental artifacts within a growing family's life.

Donate to Support Sgt. Prignon's Family Rebuild, organized by Watervliet PBA Please help support Sgt. Corey Prignon and his family, as they have incurred the … Watervliet PBA needs your support for Support Sgt. Prignon's Family Rebuild

*** UPDATE ***
John has been located and appears to be in good health. The Watervliet Police Department would like to thank everyone involved in helping John return home safely.

The Watervliet Police Department is asking for help in seeking a missing vulnerable adult. John Guskie, 96, of Watervliet was last seen in Watervliet in the area of 16th street & 9th Avenue today at approximately 10:30 AM. He is described as a white male, 5'8'', 155lbs, white hair, and hazel eyes and last seen wearing a green plaid button down shirt with khakis. John is believed to be operating a 2014 Silver Toyota Corolla with NY REG BZX5410. John suffers from dementia and is believed to be in the area of Altamont.

If you have any information on the location of John or see him, please contact the Albany County Dispatch Center through 911

We are thrilled to announce the graduation of Officers Justin Cusson, Musa Naji, and Anthony Smith from the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy!

They have successfully completed their rigorous training, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and commitment needed to serve and protect our community with unwavering integrity and professionalism.

As they step into their roles and continue their training, we have full confidence that Officers Cusson, Naji, and Smith will uphold the highest standards, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.