Police Officer Selection Process

photo of the Port Authority Police Academy graduates

The selection process consists of a written examination, a medical examination, a background investigation, laboratory tests, a psychological evaluation (including a written test and interviews), and other components as may be deemed necessary.

Only those candidates who successfully complete all the evaluation components will be considered for appointment to the Police Academy Training Program. Only those candidates who successfully complete the academic, physical, and other Police Academy requirements will be considered for appointment to the position of Port Authority Police Officer.

Written Examination: may include, but is not limited to the following deductive and inductive reasoning; information ordering; problem sensitivity; memorization; spatial orientation; visualization; English language use; written comprehension; mathematical reasoning; and number facility.

Background Investigation: will include, but is not limited to a review of the candidate’s academic, employment and entire personal history, including employment records and a fingerprint check with appropriate law enforcement agencies. Candidates must demonstrate that they are of good moral character. Any felony conviction is grounds for automatic disqualification.

Candidates must not have a history of criminal or improper conduct or a history of poor employment (including performance and absence), or credit rating, military or driving records that would affect suitability for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey law enforcement work. Candidates will be required to sign appropriate authorizations and waivers that will permit full investigation and complete disclosure of personal history information. Candidates who do not report their complete background record may be disqualified.

Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the medical and physical standards established by the Port Authority Office of Medical Services, including:

Body Mass Index (BMI): Candidates with a BMI of 30 or greater will be referred for further testing to evaluate cardiovascular endurance because a BMI at this level is considered a health risk indicator.

Hearing: Candidates must not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz without a hearing aid for effective audio surveillance and communication.

Vision: Candidates must have uncorrected vision of no less than 20/100 in each eye with corrected vision of no less than 20/40 in each eye for effective visual surveillance and correct identification of surrounding environment. Candidates must not have moderate or strong impairment of depth or color perception.

Candidates will be required to pass a comprehensive medical examination, which includes laboratory testing and a psychological evaluation (including written tests and interviews.) Candidates will be required to disclose their complete medical history and other appropriate information. Those who fail to do so may be disqualified.

The medical evaluation will be conducted to determine the candidate's ability to perform the essential job functions of the position unassisted, and at a pace and level of performance consistent with the actual job performance requirements.

Any medical condition will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if it will interfere with the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of a Port Authority Police Officer.

You should expect to spend an entire day at the psychological written test and at least a full day for the medical information and psychological interview. A complete history of medical information and documentation will be required, along with a comprehensive physical examination.

The psychological evaluation process will include in-depth interviews that focus on employment, personal, and social history, as well as honesty traits and habits, to determine your suitability as a Port Authority Police Officer. Failure to cooperate with the medical process in any way, or failure to be truthful and honest, will result in removal from the selection process.