Recruitment

We all share the goal of achieving a diverse workforce within the Elmira Police Department that is representative of our entire community. To that end, we are asking for your assistance in recruiting qualified members thus far under-represented within the Department to take the civil service entrance examinations for police officers. Now is the time to begin preparing for that test since obtaining a higher score than other candidates is an essential part of the selection process.

Below is information and a brochure that explains the selection process. Please review this information as it contains a brief description of the police department, a description of the selection process, and a list of the qualification requirements. If you are already a Law Enforcement Officer and are interested in serving the Elmira Police Department, check out the information for lateral transfers. If you are aware of individuals who are interested in becoming a police officer and taking the examination, please print or pass this information on to them. I would be happy to contact them personally to provide additional information regarding the police department.

Sincerely,
Elmira Police Department

The Elmira Police Department utilizes a two-step process for selecting individuals to be hired as Police Officers.

Step One

• Apply for and take the Civil Service Entrance Exam. Passing the exam is not enough, you must score high enough (typically in the 100 to 90 percentage range) to be considered.
• A Physical Agility Test is given to the top candidates on the Civil Service List.
• An Eligibility List is prepared with those candidates who have successfully completed the Physically Agility Test.

Step Two

Once positions open within the Department the second step of the selection process begins:

• Canvass letters are sent to the top candidates on the Eligibility List.
• An Employment Application and Background Questionnaire are completed by those candidates responding to the Canvass Letter.
• A review of completed Background Questionnaires is completed and a full Background Investigation begins on successful candidates. →The Background Investigation includes the following:
  • Criminal History Check
  • Credit Check
  • Reference Check
  • Employment Verification
• Once the Background Investigation has been completed and reviewed, successful candidates are interviewed by the Chief of Police.
• Upon successful completion of the interview process, Successful candidates will be required to submit to a full physical and psychological examination.
• Once the medical and psychological exams have been successfully completed, the candidates will be sworn in as Police Officers of the Elmira Police Department.

Newly hired Police Officers must successfully complete the NYS Basic Police Officers Academy and an eighteen (18) month probationary period. The Department also requires successful completion of the Field Training Officer program. Once all these conditions have been met, the Police Officer will be appointed as a permanent, full-time Police Officer.

Qualifications

The City of Elmira is seeking candidates to take the Police Officer's Civil Service Examination. Interested applicants must:

• Be 19 years old at the date of the exam and 20 years old at the date of the appointment
• Be a licensed driver with a good driving record
• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be in good physical condition
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have no felony convictions

Interested applicants should check with the Chemung County/City of Elmira Regional Civil Service Commission for the examination date and the last date to file to take the examination. You may take the exam in Elmira or your local community and cross-file to be placed on the Chemung County/City of Elmira list.

Applications for the exams may be obtained from the Regional Civil Service Commission located at 203 Lake Street, Elmira NY 14901 or under Related Documents.

Related Documents

• Employment Application (PDF)
• Example Police Officer Civil Service Exam (PDF)

The Elmira Police Department is actively seeking qualified New York State Law Enforcement professionals interested in lateral transfer opportunities. The mission of the Elmira Police Department is to maintain peace and order through the provision of police services that are of the highest quality and responsive to the needs of the community.

The Department contributes to the safety and security of the community by apprehending those who commit criminal acts, by developing partnerships to prevent, reduce, or eliminate neighborhood problems, and by providing police services that are fair, unbiased, and respectful of the dignity of all individuals.

The Elmira Police Department recognizes that each member of our team brings unique talents and skills to the job. Your previous training enhances our police force.

Our commitment to community policing continues to be an attraction to officers. We offer a challenging work environment with promotional and specialization opportunities for the dedicated professional.

We invite you to tour our Department, talk with our command staff and officers, and go on a ride-along. Come see what we have to offer.

We have great reasons to join us:

• Excellent Pay and Benefits - The City of Elmira offers a comprehensive benefit package that is competitive with other private and public sector employers. 20-year Retirement Plan - All sworn personnel participate in the NYS Police and Fire Retirement Plan.
• Excellent Personal Leave Benefits - Each Officer, in addition to regular days off, is allotted 13.5 Paid Holidays per year, 4 Personal Days per year, and annual Vacation Leave based on time in service.
• Excellent Advancement Opportunities - Lateral Transfer Officers may seek promotion after 3 years with the Department. The Department offers a variety of specializations such as Investigations, SWAT, Evidence Technician, K-9, and Crisis Negotiations.

The following qualifications must be met by all active law enforcement personnel wishing to apply for lateral transfer to the Elmira Police Department. You must:

1. Have been initially hired from a valid NYS Civil Service List.
2. Have successfully completed a one year probationary period.
3. Have a clean service record.
4. Submit a complete background investigation.

Lateral Transfer Opportunities for NYPD/NYSP/SUNY Police Officers and Out-Of-State Police Officers:

The Department is not permitted to take lateral transfers from the following:

• New York City Police Department
• New York State Police
• State University of New York Police Officers
• Police Officers from outside New York State.

However, Officers from these four groups wishing to be hired by the Elmira Police Department may be considered for employment as follows:

• You must take the NYS Police Officer Entrance Exam.
• If you place high enough on the list to be hired, the normal police selection process will be completed.
• If you are selected for employment with the Department, we will submit the curriculum from the basic police academy you initially attended to the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services for review. Based upon this review we will be advised what additional Basic Police Officer training you will be required to completed to be certified as a Police Officer in New York State.

View a copy of the Department of Civil Service Memorandum (PDF) covering Lateral Transfer from these agencies.

Send an email to the Civil Service Commission.

Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. The City of Elmira is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The following files are provided for applicants who have notification from the Elmira Police Department to complete these materials. They are password-protected. The password will be provided to applicants when they are directed to complete these materials.

View the EPD Background Packet.