Subject

PEF Firearms Training and Safety Incentive Program

Purpose

To provide agencies with instructions to pay the Firearms Training and Safety Incentive Program payment.

Affected Employees

PS&T Unit employees with Peace Officer status under Section 2.10 of the New York State Criminal Procedure Law who meet the eligibility as described below.

Effective Date(s)

Immediately.

Contract Provisions and Eligibility Criteria

The PEF 2007-11 contract includes a side letter stating that certain employees with Peace Officer status who successfully complete agency-directed firearms proficiency and safety training programs as set by the Joint Committee on Health and Safety are eligible for a pilot Firearms Training and Safety Incentive Program payment.  This pilot program shall run concurrently with State Fiscal Years.

• Incentive payment amount for training in State fiscal year 2010-11 is $250.00.

To be eligible for the payment, employees must have met the following criteria as of 3/31/11, the last day of the Fiscal Year:

• PS&T bargaining unit member with Peace Officer status under Section 2.10 of the New York State Criminal Procedure Law;
• Assigned to carry a firearm; and
• Successfully completed all required firearms safety and/or proficiency training during State Fiscal Year 2010-11.

Part-time employees who meet the eligibility are entitled to the full payment.

The Firearms Training and Safety Incentive Program payment is pensionable and included in the calculation of overtime.

Agency Actions

When processing the Fiscal Year 2010-11 payment for employees who met the eligibility criteria as of 3/31/11, agencies must use the following procedure to report the Firearms Training and Safety Incentive Program payment on the Additional Pay page:

Tax Withholding Information

The PEF Firearms Training and Safety Incentive Program payment is taxable income, will be included in the employee’s taxable gross wages and is subject to all employment and income taxes.