Do you have a passion and desire to serve your community and make a difference? Few careers offer more opportunities for self-fulfillment than service as a police officer. The Seneca Falls Police Department recognizes that each member of our team brings unique talents and skills to our profession. We offer a challenging work environment with promotional and specialization opportunities for the dedicated professional who enjoys establishing a partnership with the community we serve in order to ensure we all have a safe community to live in.
A career in law enforcement as a Police Officer is a highly responsible profession involving patrol, inspection, investigation and enforcement duties. Officers have a responsibility for the enforcement of laws and ordinances, preservation of the peace, protection of lives and property, investigation of criminal offenses, and apprehension of criminals and lawbreakers. Incumbents must exercise sound independent judgment in both emergency and routine situations.
Candidates must be at least 19 years-of-age and not have reached their 35th birthday on or before the date of the written test, except as defined on Section 243 (10-a) of the Military Law. At the time of appointment, candidates must be at least 20 years-of-age.
The first step in the hiring process is signing-up for and taking the Written Examination. Results of the written exam are typically received within three to five months and applicants may be considered for further processing depending on their score. If your civil service score is considered for processing, you will be invited to the physical agility test. After successful completion of the physical agility test, a complete background investigation is required which includes a medical and psychological exam. After successfully completing all aspects of the hiring process, a determination is made to hire recruit officers based on current Departmental staffing needs.
Selection Process
- The Written Exam is the first step in becoming a police officer and entails apply written information, memory, and read comprehension skills. Preparing for the written exam is important for a candidate’s successful completion. Additional information and exam announcements can be found on the Seneca County Civil Service website.
Click HERE to learn more today! - The Physical Agility Test is conducted shortly after receiving the written exam results and consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. It is imperative that candidates train and prepare for the physical agility exam well in advance, as applicants must successfully complete the physical agility portion to continue in the recruitment process.
- The Psychological Evaluation portion of the process consists of a written psychological examination and on-on-one evaluation with a licensed psychologist.
The Seneca Falls Police Department follows Medical and Physical Fitness Standards and Procedures for Police Officer Candidates as set forth by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). For information on specific standards, follow the link under Section 6000.7
As part of the application process, a full Background Investigation is required to determine a candidate’s suitability and consists of criminal, driving, educational, employment, financial and residence histories, and any illicit drug use. Candidates are also required to submit to a polygraph examination to verify the validity of answers provided during the background process. It is important to be honest throughout the background investigation and dishonesty may be grounds for a candidate’s immediate disqualification. The SFPD background investigators understands that “no one is perfect,” but expects a high level of integrity.
At the discretion of the Chief of Police, a Final Interview may be conducted with successful candidates to affirm their selection.
The Seneca Falls Police Department is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity among its employees.
Lateral Transfer Applicants
- General requirements to be considered for a lateral transfer position with the Seneca Falls Police Department are that candidates must possess a New York State certification as a police officer. Interested lateral transfer officers that meet the requirements should email a resume to the department at recruitment@senecafallspd.net.
- Lateral transfers are required to complete an abbreviated Field Training Program that entails department specific training.