New York State Police Begins Recruitment For Additional Troopers

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The New York State Police has launched a recruiting effort to add troopers to its force statewide, Superintendent Keith M. Corlett announced in a news release on Wednesday. Online applications are now being accepted before the state police will offer a new trooper examination four times this fall on Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Testing will be offered at several locations across the state.

Candidates have several options to begin the application process before the formal testing is offered. To apply, interested candidates can visit www.joinstatepolice.ny.gov and apply online or may text JOINNYSP to (518) 240-3959 or can call 1-866-NYSP-EXAM.

According to the release, opportunities within the state police include training and membership in specialized units, as well as opportunities for advancement through the state police ranks. Some of the specialized areas of expertise include positions such as crime scene evidence technicians, field training officers; canine handlers, firearms instructors and motor vehicle collision reconstructionist. Troopers are also eligible for assignments to specialized details and units including: the aviation unit, dive team, the special operations response team, the community narcotics enforcement team and the commercial vehicle enforcement unit. Troopers may also pursue assignments as investigators in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

“The strength of our agency is built on the diversity of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and their state” Corlett said in the release. “We are actively seeking qualified, committed, and motivated candidates from all walks of life to take the trooper exam this fall. Candidates will be competing for the chance to join the ranks of the New York State Police and have a rewarding career of public service.”

QUALIFICATIONS FOR NEW YORK STATE TROOPER

• Must be a citizen of the United States and be at least 20 years old by the application deadline of September 13, 2020.
• Must not have reached their 30th birthday by the date of the application deadline. The maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active federal military duty – up to a maximum of 6 years. If you have questions, contact your local recruiter.

AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT CANDIDATES MUST:

• Must be at least 21 years old to be appointed.
• Must be appointed prior to 36th birthday, except the maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active Federal military duty – up to a maximum of 6 years.
• Must be a New York State resident and have a valid New York State driver’s license at the time of appointment.
• Must be able to pass a physical ability test (PAT): sit-ups, push-ups and a one-and-one-half mile run.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts any day of the week, including holidays.
• Vision Requirements: uncorrected – no worse than 20/100 in each eye able to be corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Correction may be achieved using glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Color blindness is disqualifying.
• Must comply with New York State policy which requires all members to present a neat and professional appearance at all times. Tattoos, brands, body piercings, and other body art shall not be visible while a member is in uniform or other business attire. The uniform includes the short sleeve shirt open at the front of the neck. In addition to visibility, some tattoos or brands may have symbolic meanings that are inconsistent with the values of the New York State Police.
• Must possess a:
  • Graduate certificate from senior high school, Or
  • New York State High School Equivalency Diploma; Or
  • Military GED certificate, Or
  • High School Equivalency diploma from another state converted to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma,
  • Must have completed 60 college credit hours at an accredited college or university at the time of appointment.

Exceptions: 30 college credits may be waived, if the candidate has either:

Received an Honorable Discharge from the United States military after two years of active military service;

-Or-

Successfully completed a Certified Police Officer Training Course approved by, or equivalent to a course approved by, the New York State Municipal Police Training Council. A certified Peace Officer Training course does not qualify.

• Must be of good moral character. A felony conviction or a dishonorable discharge, from any military service, is an automatic disqualifier.
• Must successfully complete a medical examination, vision test, hearing test, background investigation including a polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation to be appointed.