SUFFOLK POLICE FILING WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 11

SUFFOLK POLICE FILING WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 11

Starting Pay Is $57G; Rises To $98G At 5 Yrs.; 400 Hirings Expected; Need H.S. Diploma For Appointment

Filing is set to close April 11 for an exam leading to up to 400 Suffolk County Police Officer jobs.

The written test is set for June 9. The starting salary is $57,811. The maximum pay is $97,958 after five years on the job.

Suffolk County likely has the highest starting salary in the nation for entry-level cops, said Lieut. Robert Donohue, the region's commanding officer for recruitment.

Hire 100 a Year

The county generally hires 100 officers a year, he added. The exam is traditionally administered once every four years.

The position is highly competitive. As of last week, 13,417 individuals had applied, Lieutenant Donohue said.

There is no college education or work-related experience requirement. By the date of appointment, candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED. Candidates must be at least 19-1/2 by the date of the written test, June 9. They have to be 20 years old to be appointed.

Individuals who reach their 35th birthday by the date of the written test are not eligible unless they have served in the military.

At the time of appointment, candidates must have a New York State driver's license. There is no residency requirement to take the exam, but appointees must be New York State residents.

Urges Minorities to Apply

"We are encouraging minority candidates to apply," Lieutenant Donohue said. "We would like to increase our diversification within the Police Department."

There is a $100 filing fee. Candidates can apply on-line at www.joinscpd.com.

The multiple-choice exam will gauge candidates' cognitive abilities and work styles. The results will be zone scored.

Individuals who score near the top will be called for a physical exam as positions become available.

For that test, candidates must complete a set number of sit-ups and push-ups, and be able to finish a 1.5-mile run in a specific time period, based on their age. They also must pass a drug and alcohol screening and a general medical exam. In addition, appointees will be required to pass a polygraph test.

There are no lateral transfers. All new recruits must successfully complete a six-month Police Officer Training Course recognized by the New York State Municipal Training Council.