N.Y. Exec. Law § 249

§ 249. Educational or training leaves of absence. The local director\nof probation, chief probation officer, or other head of a probation\ndepartment, bureau or unit, if he is the appointing authority therefor,\nor otherwise such appointing authority, with the approval of the board\nof supervisors of the county or the appropriating body of the city\nhaving jurisdiction, may grant any probation officer or officers\nemployed therein leave of absence, with or without pay, for attendance\nat graduate schools located within the state whose programs are\nregistered by the regents to pursue any course of study or training that\nis of substantial assistance in probation work, or to receive additional\ntraining in another probation department, bureau or unit in New York\nstate. The time during which a probation officer is absent, pursuant to\nsuch leave, shall not constitute an interruption of continuous\nemployment and such officer shall not be subjected, directly or\nindirectly, to any loss or diminution of time service, increment,\nvacation or holiday privileges, or any other right or privilege, by\nreason of such absence, or be prejudiced, by reason of such absence,\nwith reference to continuance in office or employment, or promotion.\n