40250
(Competitive)
This is law enforcement work involving responsibility to enforce federal and state laws and local ordinances and to maintain order in an assigned area. Under the general supervision of a superior officer, an employee in this class performs routine patrol duties on an assigned shift. Assignments to plain-clothes investigative work are usually performed under immediate supervision. In emergencies, an employee in this class exercises considerable independent judgment. Work is reviewed by direct observation and through the submission of reports. Supervision is not exercised in this class. Does related work as required.
Patrols a specific district or beat on foot, on a motorcycle, or in a radio cruising car.
Performs investigatory work in plain clothes.
Performs rudimentary investigatory work in vice squad or detective bureau.
Does routine plain clothes work in Youth Bureau.
Checks doors and windows of unoccupied business and residential property.
Investigates suspicious activities and makes arrests for violations of Federal and State Laws and local ordinances.
Escorts prisoners to jail and to court, and has them booked on charges.
Watches for and makes investigations of wanted and missing persons, stolen cars and property.
Directs traffic and marks cars for overtime parking.
Maintains order in crowds at parades and other public gatherings.
Answers questions for and directs the public.
Receives complaints from the public.
Broadcasts radio messages and sends Teletype messages.
Make daily reports of activities.
Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with the general public.
Ability to follow commands without hesitation and to exercise independent judgment in emergencies.
Ability to follow written directions.
Ability to learn the proper use and care of firearms.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Age: Candidates must be at least 19 years of age on or before the examination date to be admitted to the written test.** Eligibility for appointment as a police officer begins when the candidate reaches age 20. Candidates who reach their 43rd birthday on or before the date of the written examination are not qualified except as follows:*
Candidates may have a period of military duty or terminal leave up to seven years, as defined in Section 243 (10-a) of the Military Law, deducted from their age for the purpose of meeting the age requirement.
*Effective 9/1/25, Section 58.1(a) of the Civil Service Law requires that applicants not be “more than forty-three years of age as of the date when the applicant takes the written examination…” Candidates who may be impacted by the maximum age requirement and who are requesting an alternate test date are advised to contact Onondaga County Personnel to discuss their request.
Education: Candidates must be high school graduates or holders of a high school equivalency diploma issued by an education department of any of the states of the United States or holders of a comparable diploma issued by any territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States or by the Canal Zone or holders of a report from the United States Armed Forces certifying successful completion of the tests related to general education development, high school level at time of appointment.
Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of the United States. at time of appointment.
License: Possession of a valid New York State driver's license at time of appointment.
Physical: Candidates must meet the prescribed general physical and medical conditions as stated in the Municipal Police Training Council standards.
Psychological: Psychiatric and Polygraph examinations may be required of any successful candidate prior to appointment.
Moral Character: Candidates must be of a good moral character with no conviction of a felony. Conviction of a misdemeanor or other offense including traffic violation may bar appointment.
*Note: Per the amendment to Civil Service Law Section 54, which became effective September 4, 2024, applicants who are within 12 months of meeting the minimum age or attaining the minimum educational requirements following the date of examination, may take the civil service exam, but will be restricted from certification until such a time that the minimum age or educational requirements are met.
02/2026 REVISED