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 White Plains, NY - Westchester County will be administering the state's Civil Service exam for police officers on November 15, but those interested in taking the test must apply by Sept. 22.
County Executive Andy Spano said the county was making a special effort to recruit African-Americans and Hispanics to take the test. "We are actively encouraging African Americans and Hispanics to apply,'' said Spano. “They are under-represented in many departments. Our county is diverse, and our police forces should reflect this same diversity.''
The test is given only once every four years so those who want to be police officers must take the exam now or wait until 2012. Those who take the test are put on a list in order of test score and 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 Spanish speaking officer candidates.
Westchester County's Commissioner of Human Resources Paula Redd Zeman said the county has been working to publicize the exam and raise awareness of this exciting opportunity. “A career in public safety can be a very rewarding opportunity,’’ said Zeman. “Today our police departments have new, challenging and progressive innovations to better protect and serve residents. I can’t think of a better way to truly make a difference in one’s community than by creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect between law enforcement and residents.”
Zeman's staff has visited local colleges and criminal justice programs in Westchester to recruit new officers as well as worked with local police departments to publicize the test. In addition, recruiting on several military bases is scheduled. The Department of Human Resources has also advertised the exam on its fleet of Bee-Line buses and bus shelters, radio, public access television service announcements, local cable TV, and movie theater trailers.
Applications for the police officer and police officer (Spanish-speaking) exams are available at the County's Department of Human Resources at 148 Martine Avenue, Suite 100 in White Plains or on the county's website at www.westchestergov.com/hr . The examinations will be held at various locations within the County.
Applicants for the police positions must be legal residents of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster or Sullivan Counties and cannot be over 35 by the date of the written examination, 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.
Applicants who possess bilingual ability in the Spanish language 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.
For more information, call the county Department of Human Resources at 995-2123.
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