State Police seeking new recruits on 100th anniversary

State Police are seeking the “best and brightest” candidates for its century-old organization as part of a new recruitment effort, Superintendent George P. Beach II said Wednesday.

A new trooper entrance examination will be offered every Saturday in October at several locations throughout the state, including two sites on Long Island: Farmingdale State College and the West Babylon Community Youth Center.

Online applications are now being accepted and candidates can sign up for the exam at www.nytrooper.com by Sept. 1. Results from the examination will establish an eligibility list that may remain in effect for a minimum of four years. Annual salaries start at $53,993.

“Come help us celebrate our 100-year anniversary by applying to join the New York State Police,” Beach said in a news release Wednesday. “The strength of our agency is built on the diversity of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and their state.”

Beach said successful candidates will have the opportunity for advancement and membership in specialized units, including crime scene evidence technicians, field training officers, canine handlers and firearms instructors.

Troopers also are eligible for assignments to specialized details and units including the aviation unit, Special Operations Response, Community Narcotics Enforcement and dive teams and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. In addition, troopers may also pursue assignments as investigators in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Applicants muste be between 20 to 29 years old by the application deadline — with the maximum age extended for those who have had full-time active federal military duty. Those interested in being troopers also must be New York residents and U.S. citizens, among other requirements.