RPD: Recruitment FAQ

The first step in the hiring process is signing-up for and taking the Written Examination. Results of the written exam are typically received within three to five months and applicants may be considered for further processing depending on their score. If your civil service score is considered for processing, you will be invited to the physical agility test. After successful completion of the physical agility test, a complete background investigation is required which includes a medical and psychological exam. After successfully completing all aspects of the hiring process, a determination is made to hire recruit officers based on current Departmental staffing needs.  

After submitting your exam application, applicants will receive a letter from the City Department of Human Resource Management with the date, time and location of the Written Examination. This letter should be received approximately two weeks prior to the exam. If you do not receive notification of acceptance or rejection for the Written Examination by the week before the exam date, call (585) 428-7599.

No, but if you live in New York State and are taking another police civil service test on the same date, you can “cross-file” with the RPD by submitting a Cross-Filing Form. We will receive your score as if you took the test in Rochester. Click Here for more information regarding Employment Forms.

The process to be hired as a police officer may take between nine to 15 months from the time of the Written Examination until the start of the Police Academy.

After being hired, RPD Recruit Officers will receive first-grade officer salary and benefits while attending the Police Academy. After successful completion of police academy training, recruits are assigned to the Field Training Program to work with Field Training Officers (FTO) to learn how to apply academy training to "real-life" situations. The Field Training Program takes about 12 weeks to complete.

Having a criminal justice degree is not a requirement for joining the RPD. The City of Rochester and RPD are equal opportunity employers and actively recruit persons of diverse cultural, educational and ethnic backgrounds. This type of diversity and inclusion is what makes the RPD such a well-rounded agency

Candidates must be at least 19 years-of-age and not have reached their 35th birthday on or before the date of the written test, except as defined on Section 243 (10-a) of the Military Law. At the time of appointment, candidates must be at least 20 years-of-age. Email the Department of Human Resource Management for detailed information or to answer any additional questions.

Candidates must reside and maintain residence within either the County of Monroe or surrounding counties of Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans or Wayne at the time of appointment to the position of Rochester Police Officer.

The RPD will work with out-of-state applicants to minimize the number of trips to the Rochester area. After successfully completing the physical agility test, RPD Background personnel will attempt to group two or three parts of the selection process together, provided applicants can stay in the Rochester area for two or three days.

Yes, general requirements to be considered for a lateral transfer position with the RPD are that candidates must possess New York State Certification as a police officer and be hired from a competitive civil service list. The RPD does not accept out-of-state lateral transfers. Interested lateral transfer officers that meet the above requirements should email the Recruitment Unit or call RPD Recruiters Officer Michelle Calderon, (585) 428-7619, or Officer Juan Morales, (585) 428-6716, for more information.

Lateral transfers are required to complete seven weeks of abbreviated Police Academy training that entails Department-specific training.

Yes, once the civil service list is established, candidates have two years from that date to be hired. Active military members can defer the process and the deferment is specific to your situation. After returning from active duty, it is your responsibility to place yourself back on the civil service list, which should be done within a month of return from active duty. Please email the Department of Human Resource Management for further information or specific requirements for deferment.

You must be a New York State resident and declare use of veteran points before the civil service list is established. For specific questions related to the use of veteran points, please email the Department of Human Resource Management.

Yes, the academy is typically held Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. Rochester Police Recruits attend the academy at the Monroe Community College Public Safety Training Facility, 1190 Scottsville Road, Rochester, NY, 14624.

The police academy is approximately 26 weeks long and encompasses topics in physical fitness, defensive tactics, firearms training and basic police academic training.

Most people find that living costs, especially housing costs, are considerably lower than in other areas of the United States. If you would like an estimate on living costs, follow this link www.bestplaces.net/COL/

City resident employees are eligible for up to $6,000 assistance in closing costs towards the purchase of a home located within the City of Rochester. The Officer Next Door Program enables officers to buy select houses at up to 50% off of the sale price. 

For information on internship opportunities, call (585) 428-7496. 

To learn more about the rewards and benefits of a career in the RPD, Email a Rochester Police recruiter at recruit@cityofrochester.gov or call RPD Recruiters Officer Michelle Calderon, (585) 428-7619, or Officer Juan Morales, (585) 428-6716.