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N.Y. state police see spike in trooper applications after raising maximum age to apply

More than 3,000 applicants for next year’s entrance exam were between 29 years old, the previous maximum age, and 34 years old

new york state police trooper.jpg

Photo/New York State Police via Facebook

The Saratogian

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Police Department is embarking on a new recruitment campaign.

Applications for the New York State Trooper Entrance Exam will open on Monday, Oct. 23, and will be accepted through March 4, 2024. The last day to take the Trooper Entrance Examination is March 17, 2024.

According to a press release, during its most recent recruitment campaign which ended on Oct. 1, 12,691 individuals applied to take the exam. Police saw a significant increase in applications within the 29 to 34-year-old age range since Gov. Kathy Hochul approved a request to raise the maximum age to apply to become a State Trooper from 29 to 34.

Almost 3,000 individuals between those ages have taken advantage of this change and applied. Military applicants may be eligible to apply up until the age of 42.

In addition to raising the age requirement, the State Police has also revised its tattoo policy. Tattoos on the chest, back, or arms must be covered by wearing a properly fitted uniform shirt or business attire, with no portion of the tattoo showing. If any portion of the tattoo, brand, and/or body art is visible when wearing the short-sleeve summer uniform, the member must wear the long-sleeve uniform shirt, with a tie.

The release said the New York State Police remains committed to reaching a diverse pool of candidates and has also taken the 30X30 pledge to increase its percentage of female recruits to 30 percent by 2030.

Individuals can schedule a time to take the Trooper Entrance Exam as early as Nov. 6.

State Police has contracted with Pearson VUE, which will offer the exam at 60 authorized testing centers in the state, more than 390 locations in the United States, and 101 military locations around the world. Applicants can choose where and when they take the exam. The computer-based testing process makes it more convenient and accessible for anyone interested in becoming a Trooper.

MINIMUM EXAM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • US Citizen
  • 20-34 years of age (The maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty — up to a maximum of 7 years)
  • High school diploma or equivalent

SALARY & BENEFITS:

  • Starting salary upon appointment to the academy: $59,612
  • Minimum total compensation after one year of service is $98,300
  • Full benefits & retirement

Individuals are invited to speak with a New York State Police Recruiter by emailing recruit@troopers.ny.gov or calling (518) 485-0855.

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