HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – February 26, 2026
The recruitment information session provided a detailed overview of the steps required to apply for the Suffolk County Police Exam in the summer of 2027 and what to expect when pursuing a career as a Police Officer.
Before the presentation began, attendees were welcomed with refreshments and had access to informational flyers about:
- Auxiliary Police recruitment
- The Explorer Program for teens
- Crossing guard opportunities
- A three-page information packet summarizing the evening’s presentation
Police Officers were present to speak with attendees and answer individual questions prior to the formal presentation.
How to Apply and Begin Preparing for the SCPD Exam
The first step is to visit https://joinscpd.com and sign up for the mailing list. This ensures you will receive:
- Upcoming exam dates
- Application instructions
- Important deadlines
- Additional required information
A major theme of the evening was: “Start preparing now.” Preparation should begin well before the exam and should include:
- Maintaining responsible daily behavior
- Getting involved with your local precinct
- Attending recruitment meetings
- Preparing for the Civil Service Police Exam
- Beginning fitness training to prepare for the physical fitness test
- Exam Fee – The written exam fee is $125 Fee waivers are available for many applicants (check eligibility requirements when applying).
Minimum Requirements to Take the Police Exam
- Minimum age: 19 years old on the date of the written exam
- Maximum age: 42 years old on the date of the written exam
- Military service members may deduct up to 7 years from their age to meet the maximum requirement
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma
- Must be a New York State resident at the time of appointment
- Must possess a valid New York State driver’s license (operator’s or chauffeur’s) at time of appointment
Spanish-Speaking Applicants
- Eligible to take the Spanish-speaking Police Officer exam at no additional fee
- The written police exam is given in English
- A separate Spanish fluency test is administered at a later date
- Spanish-speaking candidates are placed on a separate, smaller eligibility list
After the Exam
- An eligibility list is established approximately six months after the exam
- Based on exam scores and department hiring needs, qualified candidates are notified to begin the screening process
- The screening process takes approximately 7 months
Screening Includes:
- Interview with an Applicant Investigator
- In-depth background investigation
- Medical examination
- Psychological testing
- Polygraph examination
Police Academy
Once you successfully complete the Applicant Investigation and are cleared:
- You will be appointed to attend the Police Academy
- The Academy lasts approximately 7 months
- Training is intense but necessary for you to be the best Suffolk County Police Department Officer you can be
- You are paid during Academy training
- After graduation, there are numerous career paths and advancement opportunities within the department.
Benefits & Salary
Becoming an SCPD Officer offers:
- The opportunity to serve your community
- The ability to help others and keep people safe
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Base salary: Approximately $50,000 per year
- After 8 years: Up to approximately $189,000 per year, including incentives and benefits
Sign up for the mailing list at https://joinscpd.com
Start preparing today for your journey toward becoming a member of the Suffolk County Police Department.
Photography by Dana E. Richter.
