Abrahams Encourages More Minority and Female to Apply for Police Exam

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) joined Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and Police Commissioner James Lawrence in calling for more minority and female applicants for the Nassau County Police Service Exam.

“The face of the Nassau County Police Department should reflect the face of the residents of this county,” Abrahams said. “Right now, we can do better, and the best way to do that is to make sure residents of the minority communities and women know when these tests are and how they can apply.”

There are currently 2,668 sworn members of the Nassau County Police Department, officials said. Of that number, 10.8 percent are female, 4.3 percent are black, 5.4 percent are Hispanic, .7 percent are Asian, and .2 percent are Indian.

“These numbers do not mirror the people of our communities,” Abrahams said. “Police officers are role models in their communities, and the more diverse faces wear that uniform, the more impact the uniform has.”

“We are making an extra effort in the coming weeks to reach out to women and to minority communities to make sure they know about the tremendous opportunities within the Nassau County Police Department,” Suozzi said. “A career as a police officer offers a very competitive salary, great benefits, stable employment and dozens of opportunities for career advancement.”

The filing deadline to take the exam is June 8, with the exam being given during the week of August 13 to 18. Applications can be obtained at any Nassau County Police Precinct, Highway Patrol Bureau, Police Headquarters in Mineola, the Nassau County Civil Service Office, or by contacting the Nassau County Police Recruitment Section at 1-800-RECRUIT. Candidates must be 17 years of age and have not reached their 35th birthday on the date of the written exam; provided however, that time spent on military duty or on terminal leave, not exceeding a total of six years, shall be subtracted from the age of any applicant past their 35th birthday.

Starting salary for a Nassau County Police Officer is $34,000 a year, increasing to $91,737 after eight years of service. Officers receive 15 paid vacation days to start, increasing to 30 days after 15 years of service, fully paid health and dental benefits, 20 year non-contributory pension, and several other fringe benefits.