Become a Police Officer

Pursuing a career in Law Enforcement with the City of Syracuse Police Department begins with assessing your abilities and aptitudes and determining whether they match the responsibilities and requirements of a Police Officer.

Prospective candidates come from diverse backgrounds. Some are high school graduates, and others have college degrees in criminal justice or other major courses of study. Some enter the field after serving in the military, or leave prior careers and interests in order to pursue a new direction.

In selecting candidates, the department strives to maintain a racial and ethnic demographic that reflects the population of the City of Syracuse.

Candidates begin by speaking with a Recruitment Officer and complete an application. The process includes the successful completion of the civil service exam, a background check, polygraph, interviews, and a physical agility test.

The most qualified applicants are selected when there are actual or anticipated vacancies and then sworn in. They enter the Police Academy to undergo specialized training.

Graduates are assigned to work with a Field Training Officer to hone their skills prior to receiving their assignment.

For further information, contact Recruitment: