Putnam County is accepting applications for the positions of Police Officer and Deputy Sheriff through a single competitive civil service examination. The eligible list established from this exam will be used to fill current and future vacancies across police agencies within Putnam County and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. This is a full-time, career-level law enforcement opportunity with a pension, medical benefits, and long-term employment stability.

Candidates should note that appointment to one department from this list makes you ineligible for certification to any other department — so once you accept a position, you cannot be drawn from the same list for a different Putnam County agency.

Starting salary depends on which Putnam County agency appoints you from the eligible list. All figures are 2026 rates and subject to change per collective bargaining.

Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs in Putnam County are responsible for the protection of lives and property and the enforcement of all laws and ordinances. Work consists primarily of routine patrol tasks performed under supervision of a higher-ranking officer, but requires the consistent exercise of sound, independent judgment in applying relevant laws, rules, and regulations — including in emergency situations.

• ✓Patrol assigned areas to protect lives and property and enforce laws and ordinances
• ✓Exercise sound, independent judgment in applying laws, rules, and regulations in emergencies
• ✓Complete rigorous classroom and on-the-job training to acquire required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• ✓Qualify and maintain the ability to carry a firearm throughout employment

• ✓High school diploma or a comparable diploma — a high school equivalency diploma issued by any state education department, or a report from the U.S. Armed Forces certifying completion of GED tests at the high school level. Candidates who do not yet have a diploma may take the exam but cannot be appointed until they obtain it.

• ✓Minimum age to test: 19 years old as of October 17, 2026. Per Civil Service Law §54 (effective September 4, 2024), applicants within 12 months of the minimum age may take the exam but are restricted from certification until they reach the minimum age.
• ✓Minimum age to be appointed: 20 years old.
• !Maximum age: 43 years old as of October 17, 2026. Applicants born before October 17, 1983 are not eligible — except those engaged in military duty or on terminal leave (up to 7 years may be deducted from actual age with DD214 submitted).

• ✓Candidates must be legal residents of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, or Westchester County at the time of application. If your mail is sent to a PO Box, you must also provide your street address.
• +Preference in certification may be given to residents of municipalities within Putnam County. For preference, residency must be a fixed and permanent domicile within the municipality at the time of certification, for at least one month prior, and at time of appointment.

• ✓Driver’s License: Valid, unrestricted NYS driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required at time of appointment. Must be maintained throughout employment.
• ✓Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required by date of appointment (not necessary for the exam itself). Certification for appointment will be restricted until proof of citizenship is provided to the Personnel Department.

The eligible list is established from the written test score plus any veterans’ credits. Candidates must then pass all qualifying portions before being certified for appointment:

• IWritten Test — October 17, 2026: Multiple-choice examination covering knowledge, skills, and abilities for entry-level law enforcement. A free Written Test Study Guide is available at cs.ny.gov. Score determines eligible list rank.
• IIPhysical Fitness Test: Three elements — bent-leg sit-ups (1 minute), push-ups (no breaks), and a 1.5-mile run. Minimum passing scores are based on the Cooper Institute 40th percentile by age and sex. One retest may be granted. Failing restricts your name from certification until you pass.
• IIIMedical Examination: Comprehensive medical evaluation including drug/substance abuse screening (urine test for marijuana, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, etc.) at time of nomination. Must also be met at time of appointment.
• IVPsychological Evaluation: Scheduled as needs of service require for candidates reachable on the list.
• VBackground Investigation & Polygraph: Thorough investigation of educational, financial, employment, and criminal history records. Family, neighbors, associates, and others will be interviewed. Includes a polygraph (lie detection) examination. Derogatory information may result in disqualification.
• VIFingerprint Check: State and/or national fingerprint check required before appointment. The applicant pays the DCAS/DCJS fee (approximately $100–$150).

You must pass all three elements. Full current standards are available at the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services — Standards for Police Officer Candidates (9 NYCRR Part 6000) or by request from the Putnam County Personnel Department.

Under the NYS Professional Policing Act of 2021 (Title 9 NYCRR Parts 6000 and 6056), applicants may be found to lack good moral character and disqualified if any of the following apply:

• !Previously appointed as a NY police officer, removed for cause, and listed on the NYS DCJS decertification index
• !Listed on the National Decertification Index after being decertified in any other state
• !Within the past 3 years: engaged in criminal activity constituting a felony, sex offense, or specific serious offenses under the NYS Penal Law (assault, fraud, perjury, obstruction, bribery, forgery, obscenity, and related offenses)
• !Unlawful use of any controlled substance
• !Made false statements or attempted to subvert the police application process
• !Received a dishonorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces not adjusted under the NYS Restoration of Honor Act

No offensive tattoo or body art may be visible while on-duty or representing the department in any official capacity. Offensive tattoos include those exhibiting or advocating discrimination, gang or extremist group affiliation, or depicting drug use, sexually explicit acts, or obscene material. No member may display a tattoo or body art above the shirt collar.

• ✓Basic Course for Police Officers: Must be satisfactorily completed as prescribed by the Municipal Police Training Council (required by General Municipal Law §209-q) within one year of appointment to attain permanent status.
• ✓Use of list: Appointments are made from candidates whose final rating equals or exceeds the rating of the third-highest ranking eligible willing to accept appointment at time of canvass. Local eligible residents may be certified first.
• !Single-agency rule: Permanent appointment to one department from this eligible list results in ineligibility for certification to any other Putnam County department.