The Westchester County Department of Human Resources administers the Police Officer examination used to fill vacancies in the Department of Public Safety Services, the cities of Peekskill and Rye and the towns and villages within the county.

Police Officer and Police Officer (Spanish speaking) examinations were held on May 15, 2021.  Police Officer exam is usually given once every four years and candidates have to wait until the beginning of next application filing period to apply. Next exam for Police Officer is expected to be held in 2025. You may sign up to receive e-mail notifications when new examinations are announced.

Candidates will be required to submit proof of residency when requested.

A Test Guide to the Police Officer examination “Entry Level Police Officer Series” is available on the New York State Department of Civil Service Web site. Download the test guide,or it is available in hard copy form and can be obtained at the Westchester County Department of Human Resources Office.

The cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains and Yonkers each hold their own separate examination.

Police Officers are public officers and must meet all applicable provisions of the New York State Public Officers Law. Standards for Police Officer are established in accordance with section 58 of the New York State Civil Service Law and the New York State Public Officers Law.

The chart below summarizes the basic requirements for the police officer candidates at the time of examination and appointment:

Basic Requirements for Police Officer Candidates
RequirementExaminationAppointment
United States Citizenship No Yes
High School Diploma Yes Yes
Current NYS Drivers License No Yes
Minimum Age None 20
Maximum Age Effective April 1999, eligibility for participation in the examination ends on the 35th birthday, unless a veteran as defined by NYS Law None
Residency Requirement Yes Yes

In addition to the above, there are minimum qualifications that must be met which will be listed on the exam announcement. Candidates who pass the written exam will be required to pass psychological screening, medical and physical agility standards set by the Municipal Police Training Council in order to achieve a permanent appointment as a Police Officer.

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST: Candidates may defer the Police Officer Physical Fitness Test once. Additional deferment will result in the restriction from the eligible list.

Westchester County welcomes your interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Find out more about police departments in Westchester County.

Westchester County Police Departments
The list below is in alphabetical order reading down the columns.