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1. What hours would I be expected to work?

The Albany Police Department is a full-service, 24-hour police department with three 8 hour shifts. Employees, both sworn and non-sworn work 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. or 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Employees on special assignments may have flexible or different hours depending on their role at the department.

2. What schedule do Albany police officers have?

Police Officers working in the patrol division have a rotating schedule. Patrol Officers work five shifts and then have two days off for a two week period. The next week, they work four shifts and then have two days off allowing your days off to change on a consistent basis. Other employees of the department may have a set or different schedule depending on their position or needs of the department.

 

3. What are the requirements to become an Albany police officer?

APD candidates must be at least nineteen (19) years of age on or before May 15, 2021, to be admitted to the written test. Eligibility for appointment as a police officer begins when the candidate reaches age 20. Candidates who reach their 35th birthday on or before the date of the written examination are not qualified. EXCEPTION: Candidates may have a period of military duty or terminal leave up to six (6) years. 

Effective July 24, 2013, a valid NYS Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment. 

By the date of appointment, candidates must be a high school graduate or hold an equivalency diploma issued by an educational department of any state in the US or hold a comparable diploma issued by any commonwealth, territory or possession of the US or by the Canal Zone or hold a report from the United States Armed Forces certifying successful completion of the tests of general educational development, high school level.

4. When is the New York State Civil Service Exam given?

The New York State Civil Service Exam for Police Officers is typically administered every two years. The next exam is scheduled for May 15, 2021. Apply to take the exam.

Email a recruitment officer for more information.

5. How old do I need to be eligible for the civil service test and to become an Albany police officer?

Candidates must be at least 19 years old on or before the test date to be admitted to the written test. Pursuant to New York State Civil Service Law Section 58.1 (a), applicants for examination may be no “more than thirty-five years and zero days of age as of the date when the applicant takes the written examination, provided, however, that time spent on military duty or terminal leave, not exceeding a total of six years, shall be subtracted from the age of any applicant who has passed his thirty-fifth birthday as provided in subdivision 10-a of section 243 of the military law.” A full list of requirement can be seen on the exam announcement.

6. What is the salary for a police officer?

As a police recruit, your salary will be $52,227 and will go to $60,538 upon graduating the police academy. You’ll receive increases for five years until you reach the Police Officer Grade IV which is $75,672. Albany police officers are also compensated in overtime pay for various aspects of their job. There is also promotional opportunity throughout your career to advance in rank which comes with an increase in salary.

7. Do I need to live in the City of Albany to be an Albany police officer?

Residency in the City of Albany is not required; however, preference in appointment may be given to candidates who have been legal residents of the City of Albany for at least 30 days immediately preceding the date of the written exam. As recently as our current academy class we have hired residents of the county and surrounding areas.