The NYPD is an excellent career opportunity for military personnel transitioning out of the Armed Forces. The extensive training, skills, and management experience military personnel possess are only some of the reasons why the NYPD recruits from the military community. The following is a list of benefits for military personnel who are interested in becoming a NYC Police Officer:

1. On or before the date of hire, candidates must have successfully completed either:

• Sixty (60) college credits with a 2.0 GPA from an accredited college or university

OR

• Two (2) years of full-time, active military service in the United States Armed Forces with an Honorable Discharge AND have a High School Diploma or its equivalent.

2. The Police Officer test scores are kept on file indefinitely for military personnel. Once separated from active duty, the military applicant has up to six (6) months to begin the hiring process. This allows the military personnel to continue with their enlistment until the end of the contract or even until retirement if they so choose. If the military service member is going to remain in the military beyond the end of their enlistment contract, they can request a military deferment of their Police Officer test scores until such time they are ready to leave the military.

3. Veterans who have reached their 35th birthday may add one year to the maximum age for every year (up to 4 years) of active duty service. Veterans who served during a time of war or a national emergency may add an additional 2 years up to a maximum of 6 years. Only Veterans who are 40 years of age or younger at the time of testing may utilize this benefit.

4. While attending the Police Academy and during the eighteen month period that follows, eligible military veterans are entitled to G.I. Bill Benefits. Veterans whose period of active duty was more than three years can receive $ 1,075.00 per month while in the Academy and $913.75 per month for the six month period following the Academy, $698.75 per month during the second six months following the academy and $483.75 per month during the remaining six months. Select Reservists may also be eligible for G.I. Bill Benefits. The G.I. Bill benefits are collected in addition to your salary. More detailed information is available on the G.I. Bill website.

5. Veterans who are New York State residents will be awarded 5 additional veteran points that can be applied to their final test score. If the veteran chooses not to use these points on the initial entrance exam, they will have the opportunity to use 2 1/2 points on a future promotional exam. Veterans' points can only be used once.

6. Veterans who have been awarded an expeditionary medal for service in support of an U.S. military conflict will be able to buy back three years of their military time to be applied to their NYPD retirement. This will enable the veteran to collect his or her 20-year NYPD pension after only 17 years of NYPD service.

7. All reservists may take up to five years of military leave from the NYPD upon presentation of proper military orders from their respective branch of the military. All time served on active duty counts toward longevity on the Police Department upon their return.

8. Military personnel that have passed the Police Officer written exam and want to take the job as a Police Officer can expedite the hiring process through the NYPD’s Quest Program (Quick Efficient Standardized Testing). This program is designed for out-of-state candidates. This allows them to do all standardized testing in one visit to the New York area (candidate screening, medical, psychological and physical agility).

9. Police Officers that are also active reservists are allowed 30 paid calendar days per year. In addition to their allotted vacation time. During this period, they will receive full pay from the Police Department as well as being paid by the military.

10. Veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or who are currently in the Reserves will be entitled to both the Veterans Day and Memorial Day holidays. Those veterans who have retired from the U.S. military will also be entitled to the Independence Day holiday.

11. All military personnel who have filed to take the Police Officer test may have the test rescheduled if they are deployed prior to having the opportunity to take the test. A copy of the deployment orders is required.