Becoming an MTA Police Officer

Our mission is to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity throughout the metropolitan region. Join us to become a part of the premier transportation police department in the nation.

MTA Police Officer exam and job requirement updates

We have completed the process of inviting applicants to the MTA Police Officer examinations. Please contact the MTA BSC at 646-376-0123 if you need help or information about your application.

Important Note Regarding The COVID-19 Vaccination: On March 13, 2023, the MTA suspended the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all new hires, except those hired into direct health services-related roles. Please disregard any prior communications related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for new MTA hires.

Benefits

The MTA Police Department offers competitive salaries with opportunities for growth and professional development. MTA Police benefits include:

• Starting salary of $44,000*
• Top pay of $109,978 upon completing 9 years of service with the MTA Police Department. Officers work three 12 hour and 20 minute shifts a week (officers are required to work a fourth 12 hour and 20 minute shift during their 21 day cycle). Work location and tour are determined based on the needs of the MTAPD.
• Excellent promotional opportunities
• A comprehensive benefits package
• Deferred compensation: 401k/457 plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• A defined benefit pension plan with the potential for credit based on prior police service
• Comprehensive sick leave benefits*

* Salary and benefit information is subject to change.

Pension credit for prior police service

Officers in the MTA Police Department take part in the MTA Defined Benefit Pension Plan Police Retirement Program. Under the MTA Defined Benefit Pension Plan Police Retirement Program, you may be able to receive credit for prior uniform police service. You may be eligible to transfer uniform police credit from The New York City Police Pension Fund.

You may also be eligible to receive pension credit for prior uniform police service with the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System at a cost equivalent to the Refund of Contributions you received from NYS P&F plus 5% annual compounded interest.

Prior service is added to service earned in the MTA Defined Benefit Pension Plan Police Retirement Program after you have earned 15 years of credited service as an MTA Police Officer.

The application process

Step 1: Apply online

Candidates must apply online and will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 to be considered for the MTA Police Officer position, beginning with a written examination. Applicants who wish to apply for a fee waiver must click on the link in the application indicating fee waiver and follow the instructions given.

Please note: The email account associated with your online application is how we will get in touch with you about the application process. You must keep your email address and application information updated. If your address, telephone number, name, or email address changes, update your application by logging into the site using your account information. Click on the Update Contact Information link on the application homepage.

Step 2: Take the written exam

To qualify for the written exam, you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen; and
2. Have a high school diploma or GED; and
3. Be at least 19, but have not reached your 35th birthday as of the date of the written examination (tentatively scheduled for February 2023). You may be eligible to take the examination up to age 41 if you have up to 6 years of active military duty or terminal leave experience; and
4. Be able to understand and be understood in English; and
5. Provide payment of the $40 non-refundable application fee.

Passing the written examination or any other step does not guarantee selection for further steps in the process.

Getting your results

Exam results are normally provided within 8-10 weeks after the examination date and will be sent to the email address in your online application. If you did not receive an email from us, check your spam and junk mail folders.

If you still can't find your results, send us an email with your name, address, daytime phone number, and a current email address to bscservice@mtabsc.org. For questions, please contact the Business Service Center at 646-376-0123.

Step 3: Additional steps and appointment requirements

Applicants that pass the written examination may be invited for additional steps in the recruitment process.

To be considered for appointment a candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Successfully complete the written examination and the following:
  • A physical fitness test using the Cooper Standards for Physical Fitness
  • A panel interview
  • A background investigation
  • Medical Examination
  • Polygraph examination (This requirement does not apply to applicants for posting # 103907. Please note that application 96225 has expired.)
  • Psychological Evaluation
  • A minimum of 60 credits with a 2.0 average from an accredited college at the time of the panel interview
  • Two years satisfactory, full-time active service as a sworn police officer
  • Two years active-duty U.S. military experience with an honorable discharge

  Please note: Passing the written examination or any other step does not guarantee selection for further steps. The hiring process can take anywhere from eight months to three years or more. The length of time depends on the number of applicants and the MTA's hiring needs.

  Please note that we are not currently accepting applications for this position. This is intended only for informational purposes.

  Preparing for the physical fitness test

  We recommend that you take immediate action to prepare for the physical fitness test. Refer to the Cooper Standards chart for test requirements. Please note, Cooper Standards are subject to change.

  Background check

  All candidates will be required to complete a background investigation. Felony and some misdemeanor convictions will disqualify candidates. If we select you for a background check, you will be required to pay $75 for fingerprint screening.

  Previous police academy experience

  If you are currently a sworn police officer and have previously attended a police academy, you may not be required to attend the academy again. That will depend on which academy you attended. This will be confirmed during the background investigation.

  The MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.