White Plains, NY - Have an interest in a career in law enforcement and making a difference in your community? Interested in a position that pays well and has great benefits? Then you might consider becoming a Westchester County correction officer.

Westchester County is looking for candidates interested in taking the Civil Service Examination for Correction Officer. The examination will be given on April 14, but interested candidates must file to take the exam by Feb. 10. The list of qualified candidates will be used for four years.

The  Department of Correction is the largest law enforcement agency in Westchester County. Over the next few years, the department anticipates having numerous openings due to retirements. Starting base salary for correction officers is $50,125. Candidates must have a high school diploma and be U.S. citizens. In addition to passing the civil service examination, there are other exam and entry-level requirements. Westchester County is an equal opportunity employer. (See www.westchestergov.com/correction  for more information about the department.)

“This is a great time for candidates who are interested in becoming a correction officer,” said Commissioner of Correction Kevin M. Cheverko, who himself started as a correction officer in 1985 and moved up the ranks to his current position.

To obtain the exam announcement, exam study guide and exam application, go to www.westchestergov.com/hr. For questions concerning the exam, please contact Patricia Griffith in Human Resources at (914) 995-8644.  In addition, for career questions,you may contact Sgt. Pam Marable of the Correction department’s Community Affairs Unit at (914) 231-1370 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Marable said that being a correction officer involves much more than just watching over prisoners, as officers can specialize in certain areas. “I take a lot of pride in my profession,” she said. “Correction officers play a role in showing that there are choices and consequences in life. No day is ever the same and the work is hard, but the salary and benefits are great.”