Become a Police Officer

Overview

Police OfficersThe Shelter Island Police Department recruits candidates from the Suffolk County Civil Service Exam for the position of Police Officer. Shelter Island establishes a local list from this exam based on residency. In the event that the local list is exhausted, candidates will be drawn from the larger Suffolk County Civil Service Police List.

Shelter Island Police Department Minimum Requirements

Age

Age Requirements for the position of police officer are as follows:

  • Minimum age, 19 years on the date of the written test; 
  • Eligibility for appointment as a Police Officer age 20; 
  • Maximum age, 34 years. Applicants who reach their 35th on or before the test date are not eligible to take the exam.

Applicants with active military duty, as defined in Section 243 (10-a) of the New York State Military Law, may deduct up to six years from their age to meet the maximum age requirement.

Education

Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma recognized by the New York State Department of Education, by the date of appointment. An equal opportunity employer.

License Requirement

Possession of a valid New York State operator's or chauffeur's license at the time of appointment.

Written Examination

Candidates who attain a reachable passing grade will have to pass the following qualifying tests and evaluations:

  • Extensive Background Check
  • Medical
  • Personality Assessment
  • Physical Fitness Screening
  • Polygraph

Citizenship

Candidate must be a NY State resident and a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.

Shelter Island Police Full-Time Salary & Benefits

Salary

Starting salary $70,141.02 annually. After five years of service, the base salary is $135,194.44. (Under 2023 PBA labor agreement)

Benefits

Full salary and benefits during the entire training period.

  • 13 paid holidays.
  • 20-year New York State retirement plan.
  • 22 sick days first year of service. Unused sick days are cumulative.
  • 7 to 25 paid vacation days per year depending on years of service.
  • All uniforms and equipment are supplied by the Department.
  • Four paid personal days per year.
  • Night shift payments.
  • Paid family medical plans.
  • Yearly uniform cleaning allotment.

Seasonal/Part-Time Police Officers

The seasonal appointment period runs between May 15th and September 15th each year. Part-time supplemental services may also be available during the remainder of the year based on departmental needs.

Hourly Rate: $35.00

Suffolk County Civil Service Exam & Suffolk County Police

The Suffolk County Department of Civil Service is the governing authority for job-related entrance exams and promotional exams in Suffolk County. The Shelter Island Town Police and the other town, village, and Suffolk County Police Agencies recruit from this test.

In Suffolk County, administration of the Civil Service Law is carried out under the direction of the Suffolk County Personnel Director. The Suffolk County Department of Civil Service is responsible for overseeing personnel actions taken by some 241 employing jurisdictions including school districts, towns, villages, water districts, library districts, etc. Collectively, these jurisdictions employ some 40,000 individuals.

Suffolk County Civil Service exam applications are available at Shelter Island Police Department headquarters at 44 North Ferry Road.