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Female police officer talks with someone in a car in a parking lot.
Recruitment

Recruitment

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the civil service exam to become a University Police Officer, candidates must possess either: 60 college credits, or two years of active military service with an honorable discharge may be substituted for 30 of the 60 hours of college credit. This educational requirement is a higher standard than many municipal or county law enforcement agencies. Many officers in University Police possess Bachelor's and/or Master's degrees. Following the written test, candidates who scored high enough to be reachable must pass a standardized physical test that involves pushups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Following the physical agility testing, candidates advancing must clear psychological and medical screening. In addition, substantial background testing/checking takes place, including fingerprinting.

The Job

A University Police officer is responsible for the detection and prevention of crime, and the enforcement of state and local laws, rule and regulations in a diverse educational environment throughout twenty-eight State University of New York campuses.

Officers are part of the educational process and teach on such topics as crime prevention, drug awareness, sexual assault and traffic safety. They develop and maintain a positive relationship with students, faculty and staff in order to ensure the safety and cooperation of the entire campus community.

University Police Officers must meet the highest standards in New York State, as well as in the country, for law enforcement officers.

To become a University Police Officer, a person must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Must not have reached their 35th birthday
  • Be a United States Citizen
  • Be a New York State Resident
  • Have completed 60 hours of college credits or two years of active military service with an honorable discharge may be substituted for 30 of 60 hours of college credit hours
  • Possess a valid NYS drivers license
  • Pass a written Civil Service Exam and be reachable on their list for canvassing
  • Pass a medical examination
  • Have binocular acuity of 20/30 corrected or no less than 20/100 uncorrected
  • Pass a physical agility test (see agility chart)

    THE AGILITY CHART
    MALE Sit-up/min. Push-up 1.5 Mile Run
    20-29 38 29 12:38
    30-39 35 24 12:58
    40-49 29 18 13:50
    FEMALE Sit-up/min. Push-up 1.5 Mile Run
    20-29 32 15 14:50
    30-39 25 11 15:43
    40-49 20 9 16:31
  • Pass a psychological examination
  • Pass an extensive background investigation
  • Complete a Basic Scholl for Police Officers
  • Complete a probationary period

Upon successful completion of the selection process, recruits begin training at a Basic School for Police Officers.  Recruits will receive training in such areas as:

  • Criminal Procedure Law
  • Penal Law
  • Investigation Procedures
  • Report Writing
  • Vehicle and Traffic Law
  • Accident Investigation
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations
  • Communications
  • Firearms Training
  • Community Relations
  • Crime Prevention
  • Physical Fitness/Wellness
  • Defensive Tactics
  • Supervised Field Training
  • Police Functions

Further information regarding careers in University Police can be obtained by contacting your nearest Department of University Police.

Dates and applications for entrance examinations can be obtained from your nearest NYS Employment Office or online at www.cs.ny.gov.

 

New York State University Police