The MTA police test, just like other law enforcement programs in the United States, is open for those who meet the minimum requirements and are able to pass the required tests. While it’s open for everyone, only few will be able to pass the test. To avoid this predicament, you need to prepare ahead of time.
Requirements
The first thing you need to do besides looking over a police exam study guide is to familiarize yourself with the requirements and qualifications. Do note that these can change so you need to get in touch with the proper authorities to ensure you are updated on the latest requirements.
- The applicant must be a United States citizen.
- The applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
- The applicant must have a high school diploma or GED.
- During the time of interview, the candidate must have a minimum average grade of 2.0 with 60 credits from an accredited university or college. An alternative is two years of active US military duty with honorable discharge or having spent 2 years as a fulltime active police officer.
- The applicant has to be between 19 and 35 years old during the written exam period. However, applicants who are over the age limit but engaged in military duty can deduct six years off their age.
- During the time of appointment, the applicant has to be at least 21 years old.
- The applicant has to be a resident of New York and maintain residence there for the duration of his/her employment with the MTA.
- Candidates who have been convicted of felonies are going to be disqualified.
The Application Process
The application process consists of several steps and stages.
- The first step is to pass the entry level test, which consists of a written examination.
- The next step is to pass the physical screening test, which will determine your fitness and endurance.
- Next, the applicant will be interviewed.
- The applicant must also pass a thorough background investigation. A $75 fingerprinting fee is required.
- Applicants must also pass a medical exam which includes a drug screening.
- Candidates for MTA police hiring will also undergo an oral and written psychological evaluation.
- Applicants have to pass a polygraph test.
- In addition, the applicant has to complete the Police Academy curriculum.
Candidates need to file their application online to be eligible for consideration. If you meet the requirements you will be included in the selection procedure. For more information about the MTA, you can check out http://passthepoliceexam.com/, which offers a wealth of information about the subject. Duties Once you become a member of the MTA, you will be expected to perform several duties, including protecting the property and life in the MTA transportation system. Under the NYS Authorities Law, you are a fully empowered police officer. An MTA police officer is also tasked with strengthening the employee, tenant and customer relations within the MTA system. An MTA police officer is responsible for protecting maintenance and storage facilities, tracks, platforms and properties that have been duly designated. An MTA police officer also has the duty to arrest offenders and deter crime. In addition, an officer has to be ready to provide first aid and assistance during emergency situations like train evacuations. The Hiring Process in Detail If you took the examination period, keep in mind that the results will be sent to the email address that you gave, and if there have been changes with your address and other particulars, you need to go to the MTA employment site and update them. Applicants also need to be reminded that passing of the written exam is a must or you will not be considered for the succeeding tests. If you pass the written exam you may be considered for the other exams like the polygraph test, psychological assessment, background check and more. The hiring process also takes time and it can be anywhere from 8 months to more than two years, as it all depends on the requirements of the MTA and how many personnel they need. It’s also necessary that you learn what the hours are like, and it is typically three 12 hour 20 minute shifts weekly. However, this is subject to change depending on what the MTA requires. Resources and Guides You can make things easier for yourself by using the many resources available on the Internet, such as the following.
- Go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/html/work/exam_monthly.shtml for the latest announcements concerning the dates of the examination and hiring of police officers. Any changes to the rules and requirements will also be listed here.
- You can also go to http://web.mta.info/nyct/hr/ for general information about employment opportunities that are currently available.
- This link http://web.mta.info/about/v will take you directly to the MTA Info site which contains references and links to all the departments, financial information, MTA Police and more.
Aside from these resources, you also need to make sure that you are physically fit for the training. What this means is that even before the training begins, you should start exercising and eating right. Avoid junk foods and get plenty of sleep and rest if the exam is just a couple of days away. If the test is still weeks away, you should spend the time studying in preparation for the written exam, and it won’t hurt to go online and participate in forums that deal with the subject. The starting MTA police salary by the way, is $40,835 annually. Once you complete five years of service the pay will be $84,011 yearly, with the future rates depending on the collective bargaining agreement. Salaries are paid weekly, and you will also get transportation and other comprehensive benefits. In addition to these, you will also receive tuition reimbursement, 457 and 401K deferred compensation plans and sick leave benefits.