Employment Opportunities
If you are considering a career in law enforcement, I strongly advise
you to apply for and take the civil service examination for Police Officer.
In addition to other entry level criteria, sixty college credits are
required to become a Police Officer in the Town of Colonie.
The Town of Colonie Police Department is comprised of 109 sworn Police Officers. We also employ over 60 civilians in support roles ranging from Public Safety Telecommunicators to clerical staff to Animal Control Officers. Our Officers are regarded as some of the finest law enforcement officers in the state.
Colonie officers are trained at the Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Center in Schenectady, NY. The 24 week program includes instruction on various laws, procedures, firearms, defensive tactics, and emergency vehicle operations. After completion of the academy, officers begin a 5 month in-service training program under the guidance of a field training officer.
The Colonie police Department is on the cutting edge of police technology. Colonie patrol units are equipped with mobile data terminals which speed information to the officers more efficiently than ever. Officers are dispatched by using a computer aided dispatch system for quick and accurate transmission of calls from the citizens to our officers in the field. We have recently equipped officers with automated external defibrillators which provide electrical shock to the chest of patients in cardiac arrest. These life saving devices are just one of the ways we serve the citizens of Colonie.
As a Police Department we provide unparalleled police service to the community, a quality work environment, and a competitive salary. For further information regarding civil service requirements, please call 783-2721. Thank you for your interest in the Colonie Police Department.
Steven H. Heider
Chief of Police
» » » As of this the time the Town of Colonie Police Department does not accept lateral appointments. All police candidates are hired from a competitive civil service list. « « «
Minimum Requirement for Police Officer
- Candidates must be a resident of New York State in either Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene, Schoharie, Schenectady, or Saratoga County for at least four (4) months prior to the date of the examination. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents of the Town of Colonie for at least four (4) months prior to the date of the examination.
- Candidates must be at least nineteen (19) years old on or before the date of the exam and must have reached his/her twentieth (20) birthday to be certified eligible for appointment.
- Candidates must have completed sixty (60) college credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university.
- Candidates must be in possession of a valid New York State driver license.
- Candidates are required to satisfactorily complete an oral interview board, medical exam, psychological exam,physical fitness screening and background investigation.
- Candidates will be required to successfully complete a 24 week police academy.
Salary and Benefits For Police Officer
As of January, 2011
- Retirement benefits include half pay after 20 years of service and an additional 1/60 added for each year after 20 years
- 4 weeks vacation after 1 year of service.
- Eight (8) paid holidays a year, double time pay for holidays worked.
- All uniforms and equipment supplied by the Town
Starting Salary for Police Officer
$51,235
Minimum Requirements for Telecommunicator
- Candidates must be a resident of the Town of Colonie for at least four (4) months prior to the date of the examination.
- Candidates must have a high school diploma and one (1) year of experience involving a large volume of public contact and appropriate keyboarding skills.
- Candidates must pass an oral interview board and a background investigation.
Salary and Benefits for Telecommunicators
As of January 1, 2010
- New York State Retirement benefits.
- 4 weeks vacation after 1 year of service.
- All uniforms and equipment supplied by the Town.
Starting Salary for Telecommunicator
$38,356
- After 6 months $46,686