Career Opportunities in New York State Law Enforcement

University Police Officer 1
University Police Officer 1 (Spanish Language)

Salary Information

Starting Salary

$59,298

Appointees who work in the five boroughs of New York City or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester Counties will receive an additional $1,520 annual downstate adjustment. In addition, appointees who work in the following locations will receive an additional supplemental local pay in the following amounts: the counties of Orange, Putnam and Dutchess - $1,266; the five boroughs of New York City, Rockland, and Westchester Counties - $1,900; and Nassau and Suffolk Counties - $2,217.

*Additionally, appointees who work in the mid-Hudson region (Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Westchester counties) or downstate region (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Nassau or Suffolk counties) may receive up to an additional $15,000 geographic pay differential.

Where the Positions are Located and Duties

Where the Positions are Located

University Police Officer 1 positions exist at the State University of New York (SUNY) campuses and are located throughout New York State.

Duties

As a University Police Officer 1 and University Police Officer 1 (Spanish language), you would be trained to become a police officer with police powers as defined in the New York State Criminal Procedural Law. Within one year of initial appointment, you must successfully complete a designated police basic training course in order to be certified as a police officer and retained in this position. You would then be responsible for the detection and prevention of crime and the enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations for the protection of persons and property and the general maintenance of peace, order, and security. You would develop and maintain a positive relationship with all segments of the campus community in order to obtain cooperation and support in conducting a successful law enforcement program. Typical activities would include crowd control, foot and mobile patrols, traffic control, and participation in crime prevention and personal protection programs. You would also perform additional duties such as dispatching, procedural follow-through, writing reports, and other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

On or before September 17, 2022, you must have:

Either 1: 60 college semester credit hours;

Or 2: 30 college semester credit hours AND two years of United States active military service with an honorable discharge or under conditions in the New York State Restoration of Honor Act;

Or 3: 30 college semester credit hours AND a New York State Municipal Police Training Council approved Pre-Employment Training Program AND eligibility to complete the second phase of such training program that has not lapsed.

Education Requirements

If you expect to meet the educational requirements by June 30, 2023, you can take the test. You MUST submit proof of successful completion of the educational requirements to the appointing authority at the time of the employment interview or you will not be considered for appointment. Failure to meet the educational requirements by June 30, 2023, may result in your removal from the eligible list.

As stated in Section 58 of the Civil Service Law, at the time of appointment, you must have a high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma issued by a recognized educational authority, or a USAFI GED high school level diploma.

Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm.

Additional Requirements for Appointment or Continued Employment:

Additional Requirements for Appointment

You must meet the below requirements to be appointed and for continued employment.

Agility: A physical agility performance test consisting of a distance run, sit-ups, and push-ups must be successfully completed. Copies of the agility standards and details may be obtained by writing to the Office of University Police, State University of New York, State University Plaza, Albany, New York 12246. If you are not subsequently selected for appointment, a record of successful completion of the agility test will be maintained by Systems Administration of the State University of New York and is valid for one year from the date taken.

Background Investigation: Due to the nature of these positions, there is a background investigation, including, but not limited to: education, military, employment, credit, drug use and criminal records. Applicants must authorize access to these records. This investigation may include interviews of family, neighbors, associates, and others. Derogatory information will be evaluated and may result in disqualification. A complete background check will be required, including a fingerprint check with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the FBI. You will be responsible for payment of the required fees. All convictions must be reported. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment, depending upon the relationship of the violation or omission to the duties of the position.

Driver's License Requirement: You must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter.

Drug Testing: Prior to appointment, you will be required to participate in a drug-screening test and are responsible for payment of the clinical lab fee. Failure to meet the standards may result in your disqualification. Probationary employees are subject to periodic, unannounced drug testing for the purpose of determining whether they have used a substance in violation on the Random Drug Testing program. Refusals can subject the employee to disciplinary action and may lead to dismissal. Cannabis use is not permitted for employees in this title. Cannabis use will be tested for during the pre-employment screening process and may be the basis for disqualification for employment or may be a basis for removal from employment.

Language Proficiency: If you pass the examination and apply to a title which requires language proficiency, you must demonstrate your language proficiency at a level that will ensure your ability to perform the duties of the position properly. The proficiency test will only be given to enough candidates to fill current vacancies.

Physical/Medical Requirements: An evaluation of your physical and medical condition will be done to ensure that you are able to perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. The physical/medical standards include but are not limited to height and weight, speech, vision, hearing, cardiovascular, respiratory system, and neurological health requirements. A complete statement of the physical and medical standards is available at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm . A medical examination is required prior to appointment and you are responsible for payment of the clinical laboratory test fee. Appointees to this position may be required to undergo periodic medical examinations to reassess their ability to perform the essential duties of the position. Eligibles will be called to the physical/medical screening in score order as needed to fill existing and anticipated vacancies.

Psychological Evaluation: You must participate in a psychological evaluation to determine your fitness to perform the essential duties of the position prior to appointment.

Public Officers Status: Appointees are considered public officers under state law. You must be a resident of New York State and at least 20 years old at the time of appointment. You cannot have passed your 35th birth date on the date of the written test. To meet the age requirement for the written test, you can subtract time spent on military duty or on terminal leave, not exceeding a total of seven years, from your age. (Example: You will be 37 years old on the test date and you've had 3 years of military duty. 37 - 3 = an eligible age of 34 for the purpose of this test.)

You must be legally eligible to carry a firearm and must range qualify in firearms operation after appointment.

Tattoo Policy: Eligibles must comply with State University of New York University Police Officer policy which requires all members to present a neat and professional appearance at all times. Tattoos, brands, body piercings and other body art shall not be visible while a member is in uniform or other business attire. The uniform includes a short sleeve shirt open at the front of the neck. Members with tattoos on their arms who desire to wear a short sleeve shirt when authorized, may utilize matching flesh-colored sleeves to conceal any tattoos on their arms. Such sleeves will be provided at the member's expense and will cover all visible tattoos from the hand to the shirt sleeve worn.

To Apply

If you are interested in an examination for this position, visit the NYS Careers in Entry Level Law Enforcement page for further information on how to apply.

Issued 7/1/2022
*Amended 8/2/2022