The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced plans to launch its first major recruitment effort in six years for candidates for a future class of up to 175 police officers in 2014.
The effort will reflect a newly revised policy approved by the Board of Commissioners that will maximize the ability of military veterans to become members of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD).
According to a press release, the agency will begin a comprehensive effort to bolster the ranks of the Port Authority’s nearly 1,600-member police force. The new recruitment effort began May 10 and runs through June 17.
In preparation, the Board of Commissioners agreed to amend a policy that will maximize the ability of military veterans to participate. The existing policy prohibits individuals over the age of 35 from applying. The revised policy, which will be in place for three years, will allow veterans to deduct up to six years of active service from their age, thereby increasing the potential age limit for veterans up to 41.
Candidates for the position of Port Authority police officer must be at least 19 years old to take the test, and at least 21 years old to enter the academy. Candidates also must have at least 60 college credits or have two years of continuous military service with an honorable discharge to be eligible.