State of New York Police Juvenile Officers Association Inc.

  I would like to take this opportunity to let you know more about myself.  My name   is Maria Fernandez-Naughton.  I am a police officer with NYS University Police    at  SUNY Oneonta and have been employed there since 2015.  I entered my law enforcement career as a second one.  I gained most of my experience working with children and parents as a DSS/CPS Caseworker for 7.5 years, 3 as a CPS Supervisor.  There, I was blessed with substantial training opportunities, including training as a forensic interviewer.  Due to these opportunities I was asked to be the juvenile officer for my department to handle changes that came with the Raise The Age legislation.

I am a firm believer that one of the strongest attributes to help best serve children, especially those in need, is the ability to talk to them in a matter that lets them know someone cares for them while still addressing the need at hand.  This association and it’s members have offered me a place to learn and grow with like-minded individuals.  This experience and the members of SNYPJOA have already impacted my life both professionally and personally. 

We, the board members and regions reps, dedicate our time to ensuring that officers are provided with the proper training and networking needed to handle the difficult, ever changing juvenile police world.  Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.  Take care and stay safe!