How much does an nypd detective make

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is selective in hiring new recruits. According to its website, the NYPD has processed approximately 205,000 police officer candidates since 2006, hiring only 15,600, or 7.6 percent. The Application Processing Division is entrusted with the task of selecting the most qualified police officers for the job.

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NYPD Detective Base Salary

How much does an nypd detective make

Detectives earn a top base salary of $82,278 per year.

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According to the NYPD recruiting website, New York City detectives earn a top base salary of $87,278 per year. Total compensation of a New York City detective with 10 years on the police force amounts to $97,735, including longevity pay, uniform allowance and holiday pay. Neither of these figures includes overtime or shift differential.

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Vacation and Sick Time

How much does an nypd detective make

Officers receive 10 paid vacation days in their first and second years of service.

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According to the "Benefits and Salary Overview" section of the NYPD police recruiting website, officers receive 10 paid vacation days in their first and second years of service. The number of vacation days increases to 13 in the third, fourth and fifth years of service. After working for five years, officers get 27 paid vacation days. The website also says that officers receive unlimited paid sick time.

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Other Benefits

How much does an nypd detective make

Officers can choose from different paid health insurance programs to obtain coverage.

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Officers may choose from different paid heath insurance programs and obtain prescription, vision and dental coverage. They can select deferred compensation or invest in a 401k or IRA. After 22 years of service, they can choose to retire at half-salary. They are also entitled to a $12,000 annual Variable Supplement upon retirement. Officers not retiring after 22 years can bank the annual Variable Supplement each additional year they remain on the force.

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Detective Duties

How much does an nypd detective make

NYPD detectives investigate a wide variety of crimes, working in specialized units throughout the city. Special detective units range from the hostage negotiation team which responds to hostage situations and trains detectives in negotiation techniques to the special victims unit with its trained female detectives responding to a 24-hour sex crimes hotline. Other units include the bomb squad, ballistics unit and cold case squad.

Serving as a police officer for the New York Police Department (NYPD) is chalk full of excitement, and often mundane tasks. The NYPD is charged with protecting one of the largest cities in the country. Danger can be found around the next corner, but New York police officers are trained to run toward any situation that may put others at risk. Being selected as a Rookie cop in the NYPD is an honor. A comfortable salary and excellent benefits are awarded to rookies, who are then given ample opportunity to advance in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description

The job of New York’s finest includes administrative tasks, meetings and routine patrol. Each shift begins with a briefing about what to expect during the day. It is at this meeting that each police officer learns about his daily assignment. In addition, updates about crime suspects, a review of activities during the previous shifts and other pertinent crime information is disseminated. During a shift, a police officer is on a regular patrol route, until she receives a call from dispatch. Common calls include domestic disturbances, medical calls, suspicious people, noise complaints, public intoxication, drug incidents, and traffic accidents. Some NYPD officers are assigned to foot patrol in parks and at special events. Directing traffic and participating in minor investigations is also a duty of a police officer.

Education Requirements

The requirements for becoming a police officer in New York include that the applicant is at least age 21, has 60 completed college credits, and has successfully passed a written exam, a medical exam, psychological exams and a background character investigation. Two years of military service can be substituted for college credit. Given the competitive nature of this career, college coursework in law enforcement is a plus. A college program emphasizing law enforcement includes classes such as decision shooting; high-speed and pursuit driving techniques; criminal investigation and arrest procedures; traffic law enforcement and accident investigation; and handling and using firearms. Law enforcement degree programs combine classroom and laboratory work to provide application of academic learning to tactical practice. Once hired, you will undergo six months of training in the NYPD police academy.

Industry and Salary Information

Starting salary for a rookie cop in the NYPD is $42,500. Additional compensation includes unlimited paid sick leave, medical benefits and a retirement plan. Opportunities for overtime, night time differential pay and holiday pay means that a rookie cop can earn significantly more.

Years of Experience

Experience pays off in the NYPD. After five and one half years of service, the annual salary of a New York police officer more than doubles. In addition, New York police officers with five years of service receive 27 paid vacation days. After 22 years of service, a special retirement option that pays one half of your salary is awarded. Regular promotional opportunities are afforded to New York police officers. Promotion to Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain include a pay raise and the opportunity to supervise others.

Job Growth Trend

An increase of seven percent is expected for law enforcement positions between now and 2026. Most police officers enjoy career longevity and this results in low turnover in positions. Since law enforcement positions are government funded, additional growth is dependent upon state and local resource allocations.