Special Officer Guide
Special Officers under supervision, perform Special Officer work of ordinary difficulty and responsibility relating to physical security, safety, loss prevention and maintenance of order. They patrol designated areas of public buildings, other facilities, and surrounding areas to maintain order, preserve the peace, and safeguard life and property against fire, vandalism, theft, etc.; give routine information to visitors and service recipients and direct them to the proper individuals and offices; discourage and eject loiterers and disorderly persons and when appropriate, arrest and issue summonses to law violators on premises; transport, escort and/or arrange for transport of persons in custody to police precincts and have arrests recorded on police blotter; prepare and transmit all necessary documents relating to arrests; testify in court on arrests; report security instances and unusual occurrences by telephone or radio and make subsequent written reports; as required, provide assistance to the sick, injured, mentally and physically disabled, and call for ambulances and/or medical attention when necessary and complete and forward forms; record daily actions in memo book; maintain records of persons entering or leaving building; keep bulletin board in their area current by adding and removing materials; may make clock rounds as required; may control vehicular traffic on grounds and/or premises; may operate a motor vehicle; monitor and report unusual events from security systems as required; distribute and maintain accountability for designated equipment or property; monitor and control access by the means of electronic security measures, such as closed circuit television; access control readers; may operate hydraulic access devices; attend, complete, and maintain training requirements as per State and Agency mandates; make written entries into location log book; and perform related work. (For Agencies under the Jurisdiction of the Commissioner, DCAS only).
SALARY RANGE
$40,480 minimum per annum (Current rate; subject to change)
DIPLOMA LEVEL
High School / Degree
OPEN WINDOW
Filing Scheds
Key Job Duties
What you will act and execute daily upon appointment:
- Patrol designated areas of public buildings, facilities, and surrounding grounds to maintain order, preserve peace, and safeguard life and property against fire, vandalism, and theft.
- Provide routine directional information to visitors and service recipients; discourage and eject loiterers and disorderly persons; and make lawful arrests and issue summonses on premises when appropriate.
- Transport, escort, and arrange transport of detained individuals to police precincts, log arrests on police blotters, prepare required documentation, and testify in court.
- Report security incidents and unusual occurrences by radio or telephone and compile detailed subsequent written incident reports and location logbook entries.
- Provide immediate assistance to sick, injured, or disabled individuals, summon emergency medical services/ambulances, and document medical assistance calls.
- Monitor electronic security measures including CCTV cameras, electronic card readers, and hydraulic access devices; distribute and account for security equipment; control vehicular traffic; and operate patrol vehicles as required.
Filing & Appointment Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill these rules BEFORE certification:
- High School Diploma: By the date of appointment, candidates must possess a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or recognized accrediting organization.
- Age Requirement: Must have reached your 20th birthday by the date of appointment.
- Citizenship Requirement: Pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law, United States citizenship is required at the time of appointment.
- Peace Officer Status & Character: Designated as Peace Officers under NYS Criminal Procedure Law § 2.10. Full disclosure of all lifetime arrests, convictions, and pending charges is required (even if sealed/expunged). Fingerprint screening fee: $92.50.
- Peace Officer Training: Must complete and maintain NYS Peace Officer certification, including mandatory annual recertification.
- Residency Requirement: Must be a resident of New York City at the time of appointment and maintain residency. After two years of continuous City service, residency in Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland, or Putnam counties is permitted.
- Medical & Psychological Guidelines: Must pass pre-employment medical and psychological assessments, which continue periodically throughout employment.
- Driver License Requirement: A valid NYS motor vehicle driver license is required for appointment to positions in certain agencies.
- Child Abuse & Vulnerable Persons Registries: Mandatory background clearance through the NYS Statewide Central Register for Child Abuse and the Vulnerable Persons Central Register.
- Probationary Period: Minimum one-year probationary period, including successful completion of the prescribed Peace Officer training course.
Computerized Examination Pattern
Multiple-choice test administered at a computer terminal (minimum score of 70% required to pass). Evaluates deductive reasoning, information ordering, problem sensitivity, time sharing, written comprehension, and written expression. Handheld calculators are NOT permitted.
Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions
Physical activities performed and environments experienced in this role:
- Working outdoors in all kinds of weather; walking and standing in an assigned area during a tour.
- Driving or sitting in a patrol car while remaining alert; running after fleeing suspects; climbing stairs.
- Gripping persons to prevent escape, restraining suspects with handcuffs, and engaging in hand-to-hand struggles to subdue resisting individuals.
- Detecting odors such as smoke or gas leaks, carrying heavy equipment, wearing bullet-resistant vests, and operating body-worn cameras (BWC).
Special Working Conditions
Operational environments and agency-specific criteria:
- Shift Schedules: Special Officers work various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, rotating tours, and mandatory overtime.
- Peace Officer Certification: Must attend and complete mandatory state-certified Peace Officer training and annual recertification.
- Firearms Qualifications: Certain agency assignments require the carrying and qualification of firearms.
- Agency Jurisdiction: For City agencies under DCAS Commissioner jurisdiction only (not NYC Health + Hospitals).
Filing and Application Fee Process
Apply online through the Online Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs. Application Fee: $61.00 (paying by card incurs a nonrefundable 2.00% service fee; waivers available for eligible candidates). Admission Notice available on OASys Dashboard 14 days before testing starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Timelines
Application Period: September 2, 2026 – September 22, 2026. Application Fee: $61.00. Multiple-choice testing is expected to begin on Monday, December 7, 2026. Admission Notice available on OASys Dashboard 14 days before testing.
Recommended Practice Modules
Related Updates & Guides
Ready to Prepare?
Don't wait until official reservation queues open. Take a 2-Minute Quick Test now or jump straight to full subject lists.