MTA Police Candidate Gateway Questions and Answers
The following questions relate specifically to the position of Police Officer for the MTA Police Department (MTAPD). For general questions about the application process, see MTA Job Application Questions and Answers.
I took the examination to join the MTAPD but have not received my results. What should I do?
The examination results are sent to the email address you provided in your online application. If you did not receive an email from us you should check your spam and junk mail folders. If you are still unable to retrieve your results, send us an email with your name, address, daytime phone number, and a current email address. Requests for information should be sent to bscservice@mtabsc.org. For questions, please contact the Business Service Center at 646-376-0123.
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What should I do if there has been a change in my application information such as a change in my address, telephone number, name, or email address?
To change information in your application, login to the MTA Employment site using the email address and password you provided when you created your MTAPD application. Click on the Update Contact Information link on the application homepage and update your contact information.
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What are the steps in the police hiring process?
If you pass the written examination you may be invited for additional steps in the process, including a physical fitness test, panel interview, complete background investigation, medical examination, psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, successful completion of the curriculum at the Police Academy, and a probationary period. Passing the written examination or any other step does not guarantee selection for further steps in the process. Completing any step in the process, however, does not guarantee that you will continue in the process or that you will be hired.
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How long will it take before I am hired?
The hiring process can take anywhere from eight months to three years or more, depending on the number of applicants and MTA's hiring needs.
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Do I have to be a resident of New York City or New York State to become an MTA Police Officer?
On the day of appointment, MTA Police Officers are required to be a legal resident and live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut and must continue to live in one of those three states while they are members of the MTAPD.
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How are work locations and tours determined?
Uniformed Patrol Officers work three12-hour and 20-minute shifts a week, and every third week officers are required to work a fourth 12-hour and 20-minute shift. Your work location and tour are determined based on the needs of the MTAPD.
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What is the starting salary for an MTA Police Officer? What is top pay?
The starting salary is $40,835; top pay, upon completing 5 years of service, is $84,011 annually. The salary is contingent upon the collective bargaining agreement.
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Does my prior experience as a sworn police officer affect my starting salary?
The starting salary for all police new hires is the same, regardless of prior police experience.
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I am an NYPD officer. Will my time and pension at NYPD carry over to MTA PD?
Under the MTA Police Pension Program, you will receive pension credit for prior police service that can be transferred from the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System or from the New York City Police Pension Fund, subject to certain conditions, or you can purchase prior police service with the New York City Transit Authority Police Department.
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I am currently a sworn police officer and have previously attended another police academy. Do I have to attend the police academy for the MTA if I am hired?
Depending on which academy you previously attended, you may not be required to attend another police academy.
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Do the classes I took at the Emergency Management Institute count towards the 60 credit minimum needed to qualify for appointment to the MTAPD?
The Emergency Management Institute is not an accredited college. If you took independent course classes at EMI through Frederick Community College they may be eligible since Frederick Community College is accredited.
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CLICK HERE for additional information about the MTA Police Officer job, including the following:
- Description of the MTA Police Officer position
- Requirements for the position
- Details on the Physical Fitness Test
- Benefits
- Pension Credit For Prior Sworn Police Officer Service
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