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Watch Our UPD Recruitment Video
Benefits of Joining the Utica Police Department
Becoming a police officer offers the opportunity to serve and protect your community, while receiving great benefits.
Competitive Salary
Year 1: $57,695
Year 2: $69,887
Year 3: $74,878
Year 4: $78,473
Year 5: $81,871
Salaries effective April 1, 2025
Paid Time-off
Paid time-off including vacation, personal, holiday and sick leave.
Retirement Plan
20-year retirement plan with a New York State pension and Deferred Compensation Plan.
Health Insurance Plan
Competitive health insurance plan with dental and vision coverage.
Paid Incentives
Paid incentives including clothing allowance, night differential, holiday bonus, unused vacation and sick leave, and college tuition reimbursement.
Health Club Access
Free access to two local health clubs.
Growth Opportunities
Opportunities to join specialized units such as community outreach, K-9, tactical unit, mobile field force, SWAT, hostage negotiation, and more.
Eligibility Requirements
- Candidates must be at least nineteen (19) years of age on or before May 3, 2025 to be admitted to the written test. Eligibility for appointment as a Police Officer begins when the candidate reaches age twenty (20). Candidates who reach their 35th birthday on or before the date of the written examination are not qualified except as follows:* Candidates may have a period of military duty or terminal leave up to six years, as defined in Section 243 (10-a) of the Military Law, deducted from their age for the purpose of meeting the age requirement.
- Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalency at time of application.
- Candidates must possess a valid NYS Driver’s License at time of application.
- Candidates must be a legal resident of either Oneida, Oswego, Lewis, Herkimer, Otsego or Madison County in order to take the written exam. Every person initially employed by the City, shall as a qualification of employment, become a resident of the City within six (6) months of the date of initial service for the City. After five (5) years of continuous residency, individuals employed with the Utica Police Department shall be eligible to move to a residence outside of the City of Utica, to a location within the County of Oneida, or an adjoining county, subject to terms and conditions.
Message from the Chief of Police
Hiring Process
In order to begin the hiring process you must apply for the Civil Service Exam.
Interest Form
Submit our interest form and we'll keep in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the hiring process?
The hiring process begins with the date of the written examination and concludes with the start the academy. This can range anywhere from 6-9 months.
What is the duration of the police academy?
The Police Academy is 26 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of Field Training.
As a lateral officer, do I need to attend the police academy?
As a lateral officer you do not need to attend the Police Academy. For questions pertaining to lateral transfers, contact the Chief's Office at 315-223-3400.
Are you paid to attend the Police Academy?
All Police Academy Recruits hired by the City of Utica are paid the entry level salary of a Police Officer, based on the union's contractual agreement.
Do you currently have a policy regarding tattoos for police officers?
Tattoos are permitted to be displayed with the approval from the Chief of Police.
What are the officers’ work schedules?
Patrol officers work four, 8-hour shifts in a row with 2 days off. Shifts include days, afternoons, and overnights.
When am I eligible to go to a specialty unit?
Eligibility is based on officer's performance and needs of the department, rather than time served.
Do I have to live in Utica to become a Utica Police officer?
As a condition of employment, newly hired officers must reside in the City of Utica within six (6) months of hire date. Officers must reside in the City of Utica for a minimum of five (5) years from the date of hire. Lateral officers are not bound by the residency requirement.
I am a veteran, do I receive any preferential points?
Veterans may receive five additional points on the written exam. See exam announcement for details.
As a Pre-employment Phase I Police Graduate will I have to complete a full police academy?
No. You only need to complete Phase II before starting the Field Training Officers Program.
Can I cross-file my application with multiple police agencies who are hosting their examinations on the same day?
Yes. Contact the City of Utica Civil Service Department for more information 315-792-0225.
How can I study for the written examination?
