This site will be updated for 2022 soon with a new form and experience.
TBA 2022 - Application Deadline to take the Civil Service Exam
Who We Want
Across the United States and in the Ithaca community, society is embracing moments of change.
The Ithaca Police Department (IPD) is looking for positive people with sound character to contribute to the ever-evolving services we offer the community.
We are interested in a diverse candidate pool of intelligent, compassionate, fit, and empathetic individuals who are dedicated to providing professional service in the most rewarding and challenging of circumstances. We also believe that “reverence for life must always be our top priority and all persons should be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.”
If these traits sound like you and you work well in a team environment, click “Get Started” in the top menu to begin the process.
Be a part of the change!
Benefits
Recruitment
and Job Stability
- The Ithaca Police Department actively works to diversify our team.
- We work to attract, train, and retain quality candidates and officers.
- We are committed to our mission of Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusion, and Community.
Compensation
and Benefits Package
- 20- or 25-year retirement with NYS Fire/Police pension benefits.
- $44,891 starting salary with full salary during training.
- Top salary of $70,222 is achieved after 3 full years.
- Quality Blue Cross/Blue Shield health benefits.
- Eye, dental, and life insurance options.
Work-life Balance
- The four-on-two-off schedule equates to about 8 hours per day, and it’s rare to need to work for longer periods.
- Time-off options allow vacation blocks and several days off per year.
- No residential requirement means you'll have access to a variety of school systems and living locations.
Career Development
- The Ithaca Police Department values training and invests in career development opportunities for its Officers.
- There are options for advancement as well as special assignments.
- We support continuing education.
Community
- We are active participants in the many festivals and local events in the area.
- Ithaca Police Officers engage with the community in various ways, including being a bike officer, working in schools, and even wearing a public relations hat on occasion.
- The Ithaca Police Department frequently provides protection for peaceful protests and demonstrations.
Sports
- The Ithaca Police Department and Ithaca Fire Department compete in a friendly game of baseball each year.
- The area boasts a number of sports leagues and recreational organizations and clubs.
- NCAA sports are popular in the area because of Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Syracuse University.
Get Started
To apply to take the Civil Service Exam to become a Ithaca Police Officer, we recommend the following steps:
- COMPLETE THE SHORT SURVEY BELOW. At the end of the survey, you will be given links to download essential documents that will help you with the application and tests. We recommend you use a computer so you can download the files to your desktop.
- START THE ONLINE APPLICATION. After you complete the survey and download your files, click the button on the top menu bar on this page labeled “Apply to Take the Exam” and begin the application to take the Civil Service Exam. Please use a Firefox or Chrome browser because the Explorer browser does not work reliably for the application page.
- COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The deadline to complete and submit your application is August 6, 2020.
- PREPARE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM. After you have applied to take the Civil Service Exam, use the guides you downloaded from the survey to prepare for the Written Exam.
- COMMIT TO AN EXERCISE ROUTINE. Start and maintain a regular fitness schedule to prepare for the Physical Fitness Test. You can download the details of the fitness test after you complete the survey.
- THE SOONER YOUR START, THE EASIER THE PROCESS WILL BE.