NASSAU POLICE FILING OPEN THROUGH JUNE 8

Starting Pay Is $34G; Rises To $92G at 8 Years; 500 Hirings Expected; Need H.S. Diploma For Appointment

Filing is currently open for an exam leading to more than 500 Nassau County Police Officer jobs.

The starting salary is $34,000. The maximum pay is $91,737 after seven years on the job. Applications must be submitted by June 8.

Written Test in August

The written test is scheduled to be held Aug. 13-18. There is a $100 filing fee, but a waiver will be allowed for individuals who are unemployed and primary wage-earners.

Nassau County has hired 570 Police Officers since 2004, when the last list was established, said county spokeswoman Katie Grilli. The new eligible list will be used for four years, she added. Candidates who score near the top of the roster can expect to be hired within six to eight months after its establishment.

To qualify, by the date of appointment candidates must be residents of Nassau County and/or a contiguous area such as one of the five boroughs or Suffolk or Westchester county. Some Nassau districts give special preference to candidates who reside in their region; individuals should consult the exam notice for a complete listing.

Before being hired, candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED. They also must have 32 college credits.

In addition, candidates must be at least 17 years old and not have reached their 35th birthday on or before the commencement of the written test, Aug. 13. They have to be 21 years old to be appointed. Individuals also must have a New York State driver's license at the time of certification from the list, and they need to be U.S. citizens.

A special application form is required to apply. The application can be obtained at any Nassau County Police precinct or municipal office. The application is not available on the county's Web site.

The written exam will test candidates' skills in reading comprehension and reasoning ability. The test will also gauge applicants' abilities "to address work, school and general life experiences that are associated with successful performance of law-enforcement duties," according to the exam notice.

Applications can also be acquired by mail, by forwarding the county a self-addressed stamped envelope, which must be received at least five days before the filing deadline. Applicants should write "police officer exam No. 700" on the back of the flap. The address is: Nassau County Civil Service Commission, 40 Main St., Hempstead, N.Y., 11550.