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 exam is usually given once every four years.
Police Officer and Police Officer (Spanish speaking) examinations will be held on May 3, 2025. Please click here to apply online. Applications must be filed by February 24, 2025.
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:
| Requirement | Examination | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| United States Citizenship | No | Yes |
| High School Diploma | Yes* | Yes |
| Current NYS Drivers License | No | Yes |
| Minimum Age | None | 20 |
| Maximum Age | None** | 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.
*Applicants may be approved conditionally to take civil service examinations if the minimum educational requirement is met within 12 months from the examination date.
**Maximum Age Requirement for Participation in the Examination – Conditional Approvals: Candidates who meet all the minimum qualifications and pass this examination will have their names placed on the eligible list in the order of final scores. Candidates who exceed the maximum age requirement on the date of the written test as provided for in Section 58.1 of the Civil Service Law, may participate in this examination on a conditional basis. The names of conditionally qualified candidates will be restricted from certification pending any changes to the maximum age requirement. If the maximum age requirement is eliminated, these candidates will become eligible for certification.
Section 58.1 (a) requires that applicants not be more than thirty-five (35) years of age as of the date when the applicant takes the written examination.
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.