The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police comprises of 1700 officers after 195 new police officers were sworn in on January 10, 2014. The PAPD’s situation is unique. It focuses on transportation authority and its jurisdiction covers two states. Their mission is to ensure the safety and security of millions of travelers. These travelers use the major airports, PATH stations, Hudson River crossings, and seaports located in and around New York City and New Jersey.
But before you can be given the responsibility for all these duties, you will have to apply and then when selected you need to take and pass the PAPD test.
Test Requirements
In order to merely take the Port Authority Police exam, you only need to be 19 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED. You don’t need to have any experience at all. The last PAPD test was held at exam centers throughout New York and New Jersey. Some test centers were also located in a few select cities across the US. These cities include Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Due to the sheer number of applicants, a random drawing was used in order to determine who were able to take the test. If you were lucky enough, then you needed to prepare for the test. You can’t rely on luck forever.
According to those who took the test, the PAPD test is just like the test for the NYPD. If you took the test before and did not pass it, it may only mean that you did not prepare properly for the test. Since preparing for the PAPD test is just like preparing for a typical police department exam, your best bet is to get the Pass the Police Exam online.
The review material is written by Officer Forestal, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. This means that not only is he familiar with the material you need to learn, but he also knows the best coaching methods for you to learn the things you need. After all, he aced the test himself, and there’s no special reason why you shouldn’t.
Here you will learn special tips such as knowing how to file an application form correctly so that your application is not immediately discarded. You will also get tips about the exam itself:
- You’ll learn how to contrite while you study, so that you are not distracted and you don’t waste your time.
- You will know the type of questions you will encountering on the real test, as you will receive sample questions that really resemble the real questions found on policed department exams across the country.
- Crucial topics will be covered, and they will include writing skills, using math for real world scenarios, memorization and observation, and even verbal skills (there will be interviews once you pass the test).
- Some of the questions will be tricky, and you will learn how to recognize the traps contained in the exam.
- Even if you don’t know the answer right away, you will learn how to intelligently eliminate wrong answers to get to the right one. That means you won’t have to guess randomly.
Interviews
The PAPD also has interviews in store for you. You shouldn’t be surprised about this, since just about all jobs these days require an interview process. But it may surprise you to know that most of the people that were eliminated by the Police Department screening process were brought down by the interview.
In the Pass the Exam Review material, you will know what questions will be asked of you. And what’s more, you will also know how to answer them properly so that you pass the interview with flying colors.
The Review Material also comes with bonus documents designed to help you in various ways. They can help you overcome fear and anxiety, they can give you tips on how to survive the Police Academy without looking like a comedian, get special instructions on how to stay fit so you can meet physical fitness guidelines, and you’ll even receive guidance so that you don’t burn out on the job.
Continuing On
Once you’ve taken the PAPD test, you will then need to complete either a minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited college or university, or obtain an honorable discharge from the United States Military after serving at least two full years of continuous active duty. You will need proof that you’ve completed one of these requirements by the time you are issued an invitation to continue the screening process.
The Port Authority Police Officer Evaluation process will then proceed with a medical examination, a background check, lab tests, and a psych evaluation which includes a written test and interviews. Other test features may also be introduced as the testers see fit.
Once you pass all these, you will then have to complete a 26-week training program at the Port Authority’s Police Academy in Jersey City. You will have to be more familiar with New Jersey and New York statutes, learn investigative techniques and police procedures, get firearms training, and learn how to collect evidence properly. You will also receive training in how to provide first aid and use defibrillators, firefighter methods, and counterterrorism.
All reports say that the job of a Port Authority Police Officer is both fulfilling and financially rewarding. However, PAPD Recruitment is closed for the moment and no additional applications will be entertained. But rumors abound of a hundred or so open positions for the winter, and no one really knows when a new batch of applicants will be accepted.
So the first hurdle is the Port Authority Police test and prepare for it for the meantime. Whether it will be needed in just a few months or in a few years, you may as well be ready for anything. That’s what being a cop is all about, after all.