The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) Police Department (“MTAPD”) is seeking highly motivated, qualified individuals for the position of Police Officer. MTA Police Officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of MTA customers and employees and for protecting property throughout the MTA’s operating regions (New York City, Long Island, Upstate NY and Connecticut) on Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, Bridges & Tunnels, New York City Transit, and the Staten Island Railway. MTAPD is an accredited service police department, and assignments may include uniformed patrol, detective division, anti-crime unit, fare evasion, homeless outreach conditions unit, communications unit, administrative services, highway patrol, canine unit, emergency services unit, and counter-terrorism unit. Successful candidates must be capable of meeting all the challenges of the job.

Candidates must apply online at the MTA website and will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 to be considered for the MTA Police Officer position. Applicants who wish to apply for a fee waiver must click on the link in the application indicating fee waiver and follow the instructions given.

To Take the written exam

• Candidates who meet the qualifications and pay the application fee will be considered for the written examination. All candidates’ being considered for the written examination will be reassessed to confirm they meet the age eligibility requirements.

There is no guarantee that any candidate will be selected to take the written examination or considered for any of the other steps in the selection process.

To Qualify for The Written Examination Applicant must

• Be a U.S. Citizen; and
• Have a high school diploma or GED; and
• Be at least 19 but have not reached your 35th birthday as of the date of the written examination tentatively scheduled for February 2023.

• Confirmation of payment of the $40 non-refundable application fee.
• You must be able to understand and be understood in English.

Passing the written examination or any other step does not guarantee selection for further steps in the process.

Getting Appointed

To be considered for appointment, a candidate who has met all of the above requirements must also:

• Successfully complete the written examination and the following:
  • A physical fitness test, using the Cooper Standards for the Physical Fitness; and
  • A panel interview; and
  • A background investigation; and
  • Medical Examination; and
  • Polygraph Examination; and
  • Psychological Evaluation; and
• Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the panel interview.
• Have a minimum of 60 credits with a 2.0 average from an accredited college at the time of the panel interview. Please note that the Emergency Management Institute is not an accredited college); or
• Have 2 years of satisfactory full time active services as a sworn police officer; or
• Have 2 years active-duty U.S. military experience with honorable discharge; and
• Be at least 21 years of age at the date of appointment; and
• You must be able to understand and be understood in English; and
• Reside in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut at the date of appointment and continue to maintain residence in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut for the term of their employment with the MTA PD.
• In order to protect our employees and continue to provide safe and reliable service to our communities, as of November 14, 2021, we are requiring all new MTA hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date. “Fully vaccinated” means:
  • They have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19; or
  • They have received a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, and two weeks have passed since they received the vaccine; or
  • They have received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
  • MTA will consider exceptions for religious and medical reasons, where appropriate. Proof of your vaccination status in the form of a CDC vaccine card must be submitted prior to your start date.

Post Appointment requirements

• Successful completion of the curriculum at the Police Academy; and
• A probationary period.

Change of Mailing Address, Email Address, Or Telephone Number

It is critical that you promptly notify MTA of any change to your mailing address, email address and/ or phone number. If we do not have your correct information, you will not receive information about your exam(s), consideration for appointment, or important information that may require a response by a specified deadline.

The email account associated with your online application is how we will get in touch with you about the application process. You must keep your email address and application information updated. If your address, telephone number, name, or email address changes, update your application by logging into the site using your account information. Click on the Update Contact Information link on the application homepage.

Preparing for The Written Examination

The MTA will provide a study guide to prepare for the written examination.

Preparing for The Physical Fitness Test

We recommend that you take immediate action to prepare for the physical fitness test. Refer to Cooper Standards for test requirements. Please note, Cooper Standards are subject to change.

Background Check

All candidates will be required to complete a background investigation. Felony and some misdemeanor convictions will disqualify candidates. If you are selected for a background check you will be required to pay $75 for fingerprint screening.

The following are among the factors which would ordinarily be cause for disqualification: (a) arrest record or conviction of an offense, the nature of which indicates lack of good moral character or disposition towards violence or disorder; (b) repeated arrests or convictions of an offense, where such convictions or arrests indicate a disrespect for the law; (c) discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior or an inability to adjust to discipline; (d) dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces; and (e) conviction of petit larceny. In accordance with provisions of law, persons convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor are not eligible for appointment to the title of Police Officer.

Previous Police Academy Experience

If you are currently a sworn police officer and have previously attended a police academy, you may not be required to attend the academy again. That will depend on which academy you attended. This will be confirmed during the background investigation.

Patrol officers work three 12 hour and 20minute shifts a week (Every third week officers are required to work a fourth 12 hour and 20-minute shift).

• MTA Police Officers Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary of $44,000 per annum and increasing to $109,978 annually after completing 9 years of service
• Attractive work schedule
• Comprehensive benefit package
• Tuition reimbursement
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation: 401k/457 plans
• Comprehensive sick leave benefits

• Salary, benefit information, and work schedule is subject to change

This posting will remain active to fill police officer vacancies until its expiration is communicated.