Police Basic Training FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. To apply for financial aid, go to www.fafsa.gov to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SUNY Ulster's school code is 002880. Contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information:
Financial Aid Office
Vanderlyn Hall (VAN 105)
845: 687-5058, or 800: 724-0833, extension 5058
The New York State Education Department has approved programs at SUNY Ulster for the training of veterans and the dependents of veterans under various Veterans' Readjustment Acts. This means that financial aid is available for qualified veterans and their children or other dependents.
Financial aid programs are also available for members of the Selected Reserve and the National Guard.
For further information about these benefits, contact:
Financial Aid Office
Vanderlyn Hall (VAN 105)
845: 687-5058, or 800: 724-0833, extension 5058
E-mail Diane Henderson at: hendersd@sunyulster.edu
There are no minimum or maximum age requirements for students. However, it should be noted that pursuant to section 58 of the Civil Service Law, a candidate seeking permanent appointment to a police officer title must be twenty years of age as of the date of appointment, and not more than thirty-five years of age as of the date when the applicant takes the written examination.
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 who has passed his or her thirty-fifth birthday.
The SUNY Ulster Police Basic Training Program must be completed in its entirety. There are no allowances for transfer or life experience credit.
No, you do not have to be a sworn officer to enroll in SUNY Ulster's Police Basic Training Program. In order to be considered for employment, candidates must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and may not have been convicted of a felony. The training is conducted in two phases. The first phase, Pre-employment Police Basic Training, may be attended by non-sworn personnel as well as appointed police officers. The second phase of training is presented only to sworn police officers pursuant to Title 9 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York Part 6020 (9 NYCRR 6020).
The decision to accept basic training completed in other states to satisfy basic police training requirements is made pursuant to the rules established by the state where a person is seeking appointment as a police officer, and the law enforcement agency considering that candidate.
Although the program does not guarantee admission into a police department, every standard required by a full-time basic police academy applies to this program, including physical fitness, paramilitary organizational development, attendance and academics. Certified police general topics instructors teach all classes.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a transcript and certificate indicating completion of Phase I of the Police Pre-Employment Basic Training. The certificate gives students two
(2) years to secure employment in a police department and complete the Phase II portion of the training before being awarded a certificate from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
If you are not hired by a police agency within the two (2) year period, but are hired within 10 years from the date of completion, you would only be required to attend a Police Refresher Course, in addition to the second phase of pre-employment training and any additional or remedial training identified by the employer through proficiency testing.
