Brendan J. Lyons reports in the Times Union that Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Dec. 3 put the state Park Police under the command and control of the State Police. Cuomo said attendance increases at state parks were part of the reason for consolidation. “This administration has made unprecedented investments in our park system and with that came unprecedented growth in attendance," Cuomo said in a statement. "The current system is indicative of the mentality of the past and with this action we’ll be able to deploy state resources more efficiently and effectively and better respond to any threats to the safety of the 74 million people who visit New York’s parks and historic sites each year.”‎ The 270 Park Police officers can now apply to become troopers if they meet certain fitness and training requirements, and pass a background investigation, medical exam, and psychological and drug testing. Current Park Police officers can apply to be state police or can keep their current titles under the supervision of State Police. Police unions signed off on the change. Previously, the State Police absorbed the Parkway Police on Long Island in 1980 and the Capitol police in in 1997. Read more about this story in the Times Union.