The New York Police Department (NYPD) is responsible for managing law and order in the state. Officers of the NYPD perform various duties including protection of lives and property, traffic management, fighting organized crime, monitoring neighborhoods for safety and security, etc.

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In 2020, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Empire State had 55,590 serving Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers. This number will surely increase in the coming years. If you also want to join the ranks of New York’s finest, then this piece has all the required information.

Should I Become a Police Officer in New York?

EducationAt least 60 college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA or 2 years of active service in the United States Armed Forces.
Area of Study/Major Requirement 

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, etc.

License/CertificationN/A
Experience/TrainingRequired
 

 

Key Skills

Critical Thinking and Observation, Management of Personnel and Other Resources, Physical Fitness
Annual Mean Salary (2020) – National$70,000 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
Job Outlook (2020 – 2030) – National7% (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
Annual Mean Salary (2020) – New York$80,210 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)

Sources:US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online

As a police officer in New York, you will be expected to respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls, monitor traffic, patrol assigned areas, track criminal suspects, attain warrants and make arrests, gather evidence from the crime scene, prepare detailed case reports and testify in court when summoned, etc.

Career Outlook

The records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a 7% expected growth in Police and Detectives jobs from 2020 to 2030. While the coming years will certainly enhance the need for public safety, an increase in employment opportunities for police personnel in New York will also depend on factors like crime rate and the NYPD’s budget.

Steps to Become a Police Officer in New York

You have to follow the process outlined in this section to become a police officer in New York.

Get the Required Education

To become a police officer in New York, you need to complete a high school diploma first. After that, you must attain at least 60 college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or have 2 years of active military service experience in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Qualify the Written Entrance Exam

The initial written test is conducted by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

Medical and Psychological Exams

After qualifying the initial written assessment, you must pass the medical exam followed by the psychological evaluation (oral and written).

Background Investigation

Following the psychological tests, you will undergo a thorough background check.

Job Standards Test

This is a physical fitness assessment that must be completed within 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Failure to do so will put your application in the “rejected” pile.

Drugs and Alcohol Testing

Drug and alcohol testingis the final step before being selected for training.

Complete Police Academy Training

Your police academy training will last for around 6 to 7 months.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Police Officer in New York?

Police academy training is usually 6 to 7 months long. Add to that the time taken for initial screening and selection, and you are looking at a period of 1.5 to 2 years to become a police officer in New York.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer in New York?

You need to meet the requirements listed below to become a police officer in New York.

  • At least 21 years old at the time of appointment. However, you may be able to take the Police Officer Entrance Exam at the age of 17½.
  • Must be a US citizen with a valid New York driving license.
  • Should have earned at least 60 college credits at a minimum 2.0 GPA.

How Much Can I Make After Becoming a Police Officer in New York?

According to the public records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers in New York earned an annual mean wage of $80,210 in 2020. As per the NYPD website, at the moment, the starting annual salary of an NYPD officer is $42,500. This rises to $85,292 after 5 ½ years on the force.

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