Westchester County will be holding police officer civil service examinations for the first time in four years. Tests for Police Officer and Police Officer (Spanish Speaking) will be given on Saturday, May 3rd, or Sunday, May 4. The deadline to file to take the exams is Tuesday, February 24th.
County Executive Ken Jenkins said the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Human Resources will be sharing information with a variety of organizations to help ensure a diverse pool of applicants. These include community-based groups, houses of worship, non-profit agencies, local colleges, libraries, and employment centers.
“The ongoing effort to increase diversity in our police departments begins with ensuring that a diverse applicant pool takes these exams'” CE Jenkins shared. “Police departments are more effective when they reflect the communities they serve. My dad was a police officer and I know from his experience how rewarding this career can be.”
The exams, to be administered by the Department of Human Resources, will result in a list of eligible police officer candidates for the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the cities of Rye and Peekskill, and all towns and villages in the County.
Among the requirements to take the test:
- All candidates must be a legal resident of Westchester County at the time of their test and for at least one month prior to it. Candidates will be required to submit proof of residency when requested. Candidates who cannot provide proof of Westchester County residency will be disqualified
- Applicants must not have reached their 35th birthday by their test date; exceptions are made for persons with military service;
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required;
- S. citizenship is required to be appointed as a police officer. It is not required to take the civil service exam.
The exam applications and more details about requirements are available at www.westchestergov.com/hr. A link to a study guide can also be found in the exam announcements.
“I urge any Westchester resident interested in a police career to take advantage of this opportunity,” Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said. “These exams only come around once every four years. Don’t miss out on the chance to have a fulfilling career where you can make a difference every day in the community where you serve.”
Westchester County only accepts applications for civil service exams online. Candidates can apply through the website or by scanning the QR code in the exam announcement.
Applicants seeking to take both Examination # 60-012780, Police Officer, and Examination # 60-012790, Police Officer (Spanish Speaking) must submit a separate application and application fee for each examination number. That is the only way to appear on both eligible lists resulting from these examinations.
Due to an anticipated high volume of applicants, candidates may be assigned to take their test either Saturday, May 3, 2025, or Sunday, May 4, 2025. Candidates’ exam admission notice will indicate when and where their test is being given.
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. The Police Officer exam is usually given once every four years. The cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains, and Yonkers each hold their own separate examination.
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.
Westchester County welcomes your interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
