Becoming an MTA Police Officer
Qualifications
Age
You must be at least 19 years old but have not reached your 35th birthday as of the date of the written examination. You may be eligible to take the examination up to age 41 if you have up to 6 years of active military duty or terminal leave experience.
You must be 21 years old to be appointed as an MTA Police Officer.
Education and experience
You must have a high school diploma or GED to take the written examination.
You must have one of the following upon appointment:
- A minimum of 60 credits with a 2.0 average from an accredited college at the time of the panel interview.
- Two years satisfactory, full-time active service as a sworn police officer.
- Two years active-duty U.S. military experience with an honorable discharge.
Residency
You must reside in New York State, New Jersey, or Connecticut at the date of appointment and continue to maintain residency in New York State, New Jersey, or Connecticut for the term of your employment with the MTAPD. You must have a driver’s license at the time of the panel interview.
Citizenship
You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be able to understand and be understood in English.
Investigation
You must pass a panel interview and background investigation. All candidates will be required to complete a background investigation. Felony and some misdemeanor convictions will disqualify candidates. If we select you for a background check, you will be required to pay $75 for fingerprint screening.
Physical requirements
You must successfully pass a physical fitness test using the Cooper Standards for Physical Fitness. We recommend that you take immediate action to prepare for the physical fitness test. Refer to the Cooper Standards chart for test requirements. Please note, Cooper Standards are subject to change.
Physical fitness exam
Hiring process
Apply online
Candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 to be considered for the 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.
Take examination
Exam requirements are listed on the Police Officer application.
Complete further steps
Upon passing the examination, candidates must successfully complete the:
- Physical fitness test using the Cooper Standards for Physical Fitness
- Panel interview (See Education/Experience Requirements)
- Background investigation
- Medical examination
Please note: Passing the written examination or any other step does not guarantee selection for further steps. The hiring process can be lengthy, from months to years. The length of time depends on the number of applicants and the MTA's hiring needs.
For any information regarding the hiring process, please contact the Department’s Applicant Investigations & Processing Unit at applicantinvestigations@mtapd.org.
Benefits
The MTA Police Department offers competitive salaries with opportunities for growth and professional development. MTA Police benefits include:
- Starting salary of $45,036.782*
- Top pay of $117,550.54 upon completing 9 years of service with the MTA Police Department.
- Officers work three 12 hour and 20-minute shifts a week (officers are required to work a fourth 12 hour and 20-minute shift during their 21-day cycle). Work location and tour are determined based on the needs of the MTAPD.
- Excellent promotional opportunities
- A comprehensive benefits package
- Deferred compensation: 401k/457 plans
- Tuition reimbursement
- A defined benefit pension plan with the potential for credit based on prior police service
- Comprehensive sick leave benefits*
* Salary and benefit information is subject to change.
Pension credit for prior police service
Officers in the MTA Police Department take part in the MTA Defined Benefit Pension Plan Police Retirement Program. Under the MTA Defined Benefit Pension Plan Police Retirement Program, you may be able to receive credit for prior uniform police service. You may be eligible to transfer uniform police credit from The New York City Police Pension Fund.
You may also be eligible to receive pension credit for prior uniform police service with the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System at a cost equivalent to the Refund of Contributions you received from NYS P&F plus 5% annual compounded interest.
Prior service is added to service earned in the MTA Defined Benefit Pension Plan Police Retirement Program after you have earned 15 years of credited service as an MTA Police Officer.
The MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.