Want to Become a Police Officer? Applications Available for Westchester Police Test

Westchester County will be administering the Civil Service exam for Police Officer on Nov. 17, but those interested in taking the test must apply by June 26.

Applications and announcements may be picked up in person from the Department of Human Resources, 148 Martine Ave., Suite 100, White Plains, or downloaded from the department’s Web section: http://www.westchestergov.com/hr.

The test will be administered at various locations within the county. It is given once every four years, so those who want to be police officers must take the exam now or wait until 2016.

Those who pass the test are put on a list in order of test score. The list is used to hire police officers as positions become open. The Westchester County Department of Public Safety and all local police departments with the exception of Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle and Mount Vernon hire from this list.

There is also a separate test for Police Officer/Spanish Speaking. Applicants who are bilingual in Spanish are encouraged to file for both examinations, requiring two separate applications and fees. This language proficiency examination is described in detail on the official announcement for the test. The exam application fee is $50.

Westchester County's Commissioner of Human Resources Kerry Oristano said her staff has visited local colleges and criminal justice programs, as part of its effort to publicize the exam.

Applicants for the police exam must, at the time of the examination, and for at least one month prior to the exam be legal residents of Westchester County; and possess a high school diploma or GED. They may not be over the age of 35 unless they are a veteran of the Armed Forces as defined by New York State law. 

Police officer candidates cannot be appointed until they turn 20, but can take the test before then.

For more information, contact the county Department of Human Resources at exam@westchestergov.com or call 995-2123.