State police official who oversaw security at Ryder Cup retires amid probe of improper use of credentials

ALBANY — A third high-ranking state police official has filed paperwork to retire as part of a widening probe into the alleged improper use of credentials to gain special access at the recent Ryder Cup golf event at Bethpage Black in September.

Acting Staff Insp. Stephen Udice, who was in charge of security for the tournament as commander of Troop L at the time of the event, has joined Deputy Superintendent R. Christopher West and Col. Darren Pitkin in retiring, according to a state police spokesman.

The state inspector general’s office is examining whether the state police officials were improperly given access to VIP areas during the tournament.

The Times Union of Albany first reported the allegations of troopers using police credentials to gain special access to the Ryder Cup.

The Times Union, citing law enforcement sources, said Udice had allegedly handed out dozens of complimentary passes to friends, acquaintances and family members during the tournament.

State police confirmed the probe into the actions of troopers around the event last month in a statement, saying Superintendent Steven G. James had ordered an investigation into the actions of some executive staff members. State police were the primary security for the tournament.

"Superintendent (Steven G.) James has ordered an immediate investigation into actions taken by some executive staff members in relation to gaining admission to the Ryder Cup for themselves and family membersactions taken by some executive staff members in relation to gaining admission to the Ryder Cup for themselves and family members,” the statement said. “The superintendent has asked for the resignation of two executive staff members involved. Integrity is the cornerstone of the State Police, and all allegations of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated."

It is unclear if more troopers are expected to retire or if any will face disciplinary charges.

The Albany newspaper reported it had obtained photographs of West and other high-ranking troopers at VIP areas of the tournament, held Sept. 26-28. It also reported the alleged misuse occurred during tournament play, as opposed to practice rounds.

James was tapped by Gov. Kathy Hochul in February 2024 to be superintendent. On his first day, he enacted the most significant immediate department shake-up in recent history, removing four top officers and appointing seven new deputy superintendents. One of those deputies was West.