Education Prerequisites For Applying
In the vast majority of states, the only education mandatory for candidates is the high school diploma or a GED. On the other hand, in the state of New York, not only are the aforementioned diplomas mandatory, but also the minimum score accepted for the GED is 2.0.
Moreover, the GED or high school diplomas are not valid qualification criteria unless the candidate has also served for at least two years in the active US military service. As a side note, having been dishonorably discharged from the US military is grounds for immediate disqualification from applying to be a police officer.
To answer the question of how to become a police officer in NY without having served in the military prior to the application, it suffices to say that the New York police department will require the minimum amount of 60 credits from a certified college or university. At the same time, the minimum GPA accepted is 2.0.
In addition, candidates that have an education in a related field, such as criminal justice or criminal psychology, will be favored.
In regards to the accreditation of the colleges or universities, the institutions need to have the mark of approval from the following authorities:
- United States Department of Education
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Nypd Police Officer Salary
Base salary for an NYPD police officer starts at $42,500 per year. In roughly five years, the NYPD officer averages $85,292. In addition to their base salary, officers may receive compensation for overtime, holidays and nights. The earning income potential for experienced officers can exceed $100,000 per year.
References
Continuing Education And Career Advancement
Once you have completed all of these steps to becoming a police officer, you will still have plenty to learn. Nothing beats on-the-job experience to show you all of the specialized areas police officers might want or need to learn more about. The best officers are never done learning.
Similar to other industries, officers must meet continuing education requirements in order to renew their license. For example, Minnesota police officer requirements mandate a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education within the three-year licensing period in order to maintain their license.
In addition, active officers are required to train annually in use of force and once every five years in emergency vehicle operations/pursuit driving. Specialized training may also be directed by your police department based on federal and local needs. Departments might also incentivize other education opportunities to encourage their officers forward. Additional training or credentials may be required for those looking to climb the police ranks.
Read Also: How Much Is A Police Bulletproof Vest
Police Departments In New York
There are over 500 law enforcement agencies in the state of New York, employing an estimated 46,940 police and sheriffs patrol officers.1 Prospective cops in New York can work in major metros like New York City or Hempstead or in smaller towns like Niagara Falls or Long Beach. While departments may set their own requirements above the state minimums, all will follow the minimum guidelines for certifying police officers in New York.
How To Become A Police Officer: Your Step
By on 02/10/2020
There are plenty of Hollywood movies out there that detail the rigorous physical training involved in becoming a cop. You might even be able to picture the obstacle courses, shooting ranges and tactical scenario training rooms. These are all important elements of police officer trainingbut they only make up one portion of the process.
Given the high level of responsibility and trust afforded to law enforcement, the standards for becoming a police officer are higher than what youll likely find in many careers. The specific standards and process will vary slightly based on the state, county or town youre applying to work in, but there are a few universal requirements to become a police officer you should be familiar with.
If youre wondering how to become a police officer, youre in the right place. Keep reading for a high-level breakdown of the path to pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Don’t Miss: How To Hire A Police Officer For A Party
Becoming A Police Officer In Syracuse New York
The Syracuse Police Department is 500 sworn officers and 130 civilian employees strong and serves a population of about 145,000. The Syracuse, New York, Police Department includes four divisions that serve the city through street patrol, traffic control, and enforcement.
If you are interested in becoming a police officer in Syracuse, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to become a cop by meeting the Syracuse police officer requirements:
Step 1. Meet Minimum Requirements for Employment
Before applying for Syracuse police jobs you should first ensure you meet all minimum employment requirements as set forth by the Syracuse Police Department. These include:
- You must be at least 19 ½ years old to take the civil service exam.
- You must be younger than 35 years old
- You must have a valid New York State drivers license .
- You must have a high school diploma or GED .
- You must have no felony convictions.
- You must have at least 20/100 eyesight, corrected to 20/30.
Step 2. Complete the Recruitment Form
If you want to be contacted by a Syracuse Police Department recruiter you may fill out the online Recruitment Form. You may also reach the Recruitment Department at 315-442-5227 or .
Step 3. Apply for the Civil Service Exam
You may also request an application by contacting the Recruiting Department at 315-442-5227.
Step 4. Take the Civil Service Exam
Certificate Of Good Conduct Vs Certificate Of Relief From Disabilities
A Certificate of Good Conduct is not the same as a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities. A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is a different certificate that people convicted of a crime in New York can apply for. It has different application requirements and can be easier to receive, but it does not restore the right to hold public office, so someone with a Certificate of Relief cannot become a police officer.
You May Like: What To Study For Police Exam
Nys Police Academy Requirements
New York Police Academy Requirements and Officer Qualifications:
- Must be at least age 20 on the Application Deadline and be 21 at time of appointment.
- Must not have turned 30 before the Application Deadline. The age limitation may be extended up to six years for active military service.
- Must be a citizen of the United States on or before the Application Deadline.
- Must have a high school diploma at time of application.
- Must have good moral character. A Felony conviction is an automatic disqualification.
AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT :You must posses a:
Q When is the next exam?
Please visit www.NYTROOPER.com for future announcements.
Q How can I receive more information about becoming a New York State Trooper?
Read all the information in the Recruitment Section
Q How do I go about applying for the position of New York State Trooper?
You can make application on-line
Q How can I prepare for the next exam? Should I buy a study guide?
No. The NYSP offers unique Candidate Preparation Guide in two electronic formats
The guide includes substantial information to help candidates prepare to take the examination, such as:
Q Where do I stand on the current eligibility list for NYS Trooper?
Any candidates who currently have deferments will be required to attend this processing. Any candidate who fails to participate in the fall processing will be required to take the next entrance examination for the position of NYS Trooper to be considered for the position in the future.
Is Becoming A Police Officer In Your Future
While the steps to becoming a police officer may seem lengthy, completing them is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve the fulfilling career youve set your sights on. And a good law enforcement program will help you navigate the process.
Now that youre familiar with the process of how to become a police officer, you may be curious if you have what it takes to excel on the job. Learn more in our article, Often Overlooked Qualities of a Great Police Officer.
If youre already set on becoming a police officer, visit our Law Enforcement degree page to learn how we can help you take the next step toward becoming a police officer in Minnesota.
The Law Enforcement programs at Rasmussen University are not aligned to the standards of any professional licensing body other than the MN POST and are not intended to satisfy professional licensure requirements of any professional licensing agency in any other state.Editors note: This article was originally published in June 2016. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2020. Insight from Shetler and Plantinga remain from the original.
Also Check: How Do I Become A Police Officer
What Does A Police Officer Do
In the simplest sense, police officers enforce laws and protect life and property. But of course, there is much more to it than that. Heres how it breaks down:
Policeofficers are sworn to protect and serve the communities in which they live andwork. They enforce laws, obtain warrants, arrest and interview suspects, securecrime and accident scenes, write detailed reports and testify in court, amongother duties. Officers often respond to emergency calls, working shifts thatoperate around the clock.
The specific duties of a police officer will be numerous and diverse. Based on appointment, length of service and training, they may work with a K-9 unit responding to suspicions of drugs or dangerous weapons in vehicles and other property. Or, they might take a role on the SWAT team where they need to know tactics and procedures for working under dangerous conditions. Much of their daily routine will involve patrolling a certain area, such as a portion of a town or city. As they move up the ranks, they may investigate crimes ranging from petty theft to murder.
Salary For Nypd Recruits
The salary for NYPD recruits depends on their position. The following information is true as of 2015 and has been taken from the New York Police Departments recruitment website.
At the Police Academy level, the annual salary is $44,744, which may go up to $46,288 after six months.
After 1.5 years, the salary may go up to $48,173 and in an additional one year to $53,819.
The next jump in salary may come after 3.5 years of service, taking it up to $58,786. Another year later, it may increase to $62,455 and after a total of five years of service, NYPD officers may become entitled to an annual pay of $69,005.
After 5.5 years, the salary figure may take the biggest jump to $90,829 annually.
Keep in mind that these total compensation figures include top base pay, longevity pay, uniform allowance, holiday pay and the average night shift differential. It does not take into account any overtime hours.
According to O*NET OnLine, police officers in the state of New York earned a median annual income of $69,150 in 2015, which is higher than the national median salary of $58,320. The job growth in this sector is expected to be at 6%, which is 1% more than the job growth expected in this field nationally.
| Job Title |
|---|
Don’t Miss: How To Look Up A Police Report
Minimum Requirements To Become A Police Officer In Ny
New York City Police Officer Salary And Job Outlook
The starting salary for a New York City police recruit is $42,819, which is raised to $45,673 after six months.2 With typical step increases, an NYPD officers base salary is $78,026 after five-and-a-half years of service.2 Officers also earn additional pay for overtime, longevity, and holiday work. Those who earn higher ranks earn commensurately higher salaries for example, the top base pay for sergeants with the NYPD is $103,584 per year.2 All officers are entitled to paid vacation days, paid sick leave, competitive health and life insurance programs, and various retirement plan options.
Also Check: How To Obtain Police Clearance Certificate
How To Become A New York Police Officer
One of the first steps when going through police training in New York is to fulfill or exceed the specifications of the department to which you apply. The next thing is to pass the police exam and the civil service exam. Then there are multiple tests and/or interviews, plus a background check, which you must pass to be accepted for training. Upon passing the required tests and steps, you could be selected to attend police academy training.
Law Enforcement Degrees & Training
| Masters | Online |
|---|---|
| The police department I want to work for doesnt require anything more than a high school diploma. However, they prefer recruits to have some legal-related postsecondary college credits before enrolling in the academy. | |
| Im working full time as a police officer right now. I know I need to get another degree to increase my chances of getting promoted within my department, but my work schedule is so varied that I dont have the ability to take classes on a set schedule. | |
| I dont know exactly where Id like to end up as a police officer, but I do know I want the potential for advancement, to give myself the best chance of being hired and to be eligible for federal law enforcement positions, such as at the DEA or FBI. | |
| I hope to someday take a leadership position within law enforcement, even becoming a police captain or police chief. | |
| I would like to gain additional knowledge about law enforcement. Many departments I intend to apply to require applicants to have several dozen college credits, if not a full degree. |
Also Check: How Much Do You Make As A Police Officer
Requirements For Being Employed As A Police Officer In Ny
The subsequent list comprises the basic conditions for those who may be interested in working as law enforcement officials in New York City. Other cities in New York may have less stringent requirements, so please check with each location to see what the minimum requirements are for that specific department. Here are the NYC requirements:
- Must have a valid New York State drivers license
- Must be a citizen who resides in the United States legally
- Must be at least age 21
- Live in one of the five boroughs of New York City or in Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam, or Orange County
- Hold at least a high school level diploma or better
- Have successfully attended an accredited college or university and earned either 60 college credits or have two years of full-time military service
You might be disqualified from getting a New York City police job if you:
- Have been convicted of a crime concerning a lack of good moral character or violence
- Have served time for an offense that is punishable by one or more years in prison
- Received a military dishonorable discharge
- Have been fired from a job because of poor behavior or disrespect
- Have been convicted of domestic violence
New York Police Department Information
The NYPD is divided into 20 bureaus, 77 patrol precincts, 12 transit police districts, and nine police service areas, which are dedicated to city public housing. NYPD officers typically begin their careers in patrol, after which they may apply to move to specialty units. Bureaus within the NYPD include Counterterrorism, Crime Control Strategies, and Intelligence. Across the various bureaus, the NYPD also operates approximately 300 specialty units including aviation, organized crime control, major cases, criminal investigations, drug enforcement, and more.
The NYPD follows a collaborative community policing model that aims to promote options for public safety in cooperation with local citizens. This model is open to considering creative and innovative solutions that enhance public safety and improve access to police services. This model also focuses on shared responsibility in neighborhood policing, encouraging citizens to take a proactive stance against crime. The evidence for this models success is in the numbers: in 2017, the NYPD reported record-low violent crime numbers and historic reductions in various types of crimes, including shootings, robberies, and burglaries.4
Read Also: How To Search Police Records
Can Someone With A Certificate Of Good Conduct Become A Police Officer
A CGC removes the legal barrier between a convicted person and a job as a police officer. However, it does not guarantee employment as a police officer. New York law allows a government agency to take a persons convictions into account when making hiring decisions if the conviction is relevant to the persons potential job performance. A person convicted of violent crimes or fraud might still not be able to become a police officer even with a CGC. Anyone with questions about whether a conviction can be used to bar someone from public office should contact a lawyer.
New York City Police Officer Training Prerequisites And Education Requirements
To be eligible to sit for the written civil service exam, applicants must be between the ages of 17.5 and 35. To be hired as an officer with the NYPD, candidates must be US citizens and at least 21 years of age, hold a high school diploma plus at least 60 college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA, have a valid New York drivers license, and reside within the five boroughs of New York City or surrounding counties. The college experience requirement may be waived with two years of full-time service with the US Armed Forces.
Once hired as a police recruit, prospective officers attend the New York City Police Academy. The rigorous training program lasts six months. Courses cover such topics as law, behavioral science, physical training and tactics, police science, firearms training, and First Aid/ CPR. Classes in terrorism, identity theft, and other advanced law enforcement skills are also part of the curriculum. Recruits must pass 4 separate exams with a score of 75% or higher to graduate from the academy and be sworn in as NYPD officers.
Read Also: How To File A Police Report For An Accident