The Westchester Probation Department hires employees only from certified Civil Service Lists established by the Personnel Department through Civil Service tests. Probation Officer Trainee and Probation Officer Trainee (Spanish speaking) examinations are usually given once every four years, but may occur sooner if deemed necessary. Candidates have to wait until the beginning of the next application filing period to apply. The next exam for Probation Officer is open until April 22, 2024. You may sign up to receive e-mail notifications when new examinations are announced.
A Study Guide to the Probation Officer examination “Probation Series” is available on the New York State Department of Civil Service website. Download the study guide here.
The chart below summarizes the basic requirements for the probation officer candidates at the time of examination and appointment:
| Requirement | Examination | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| United States Citizenship | No | Yes |
| College Degree | No | Yes |
| Current NYS Drivers License | No | Yes |
| Minimum Age | 20 years | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | None | None |
| Residency Requirement | Yes | Yes |
In addition to the above, there are minimum qualifications that must be met which will be listed on the exam announcement. Candidates who pass the written exam will be required to pass psychological screening, physical agility, and drug screening in order to achieve a permanent appointment as a Peace/Probation Officer.
CANDIDATE PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST: Candidates may defer the Probation Officer Physical Agility Test once. Additional deferment will result in the restriction from the eligible list.
Here is an inside look at the Agility Test, which you must complete during your hiring process. View the video.
Westchester County welcomes your interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
The Department of Probation operates an academy for new officers. This academy has also been offered to Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Sullivan counties. The 20 week academy includes Basic Course for Peace Officer, Fundamentals of Probation Practice, Probation Officer Safety Training, and Initial Firearms training.
The Course is designed to provide state of the art training in the field of probation to new probation officers and provide required training pursuant to 9 NYCRR Part 346 Staff Development Rule, with an overview of the procedures and legal requirements involved in the work of probation with the goal to reduce offender recidivism. The course provides new probation officers with an opportunity to learn, develop, and practice skills that will be needed to successfully work with individuals who receive probation services. It will offer both an overview of the procedures for probation officers as well as an opportunity to develop concrete skills that will be translated into practice while working with offenders in the community. Successful completion of this course places the new probation officer in compliance with peace officer training requirements according to New York State regulations.
The Training Bureau also oversees in-service trainings for all probation/peace officers. The Bureau provides training in but not limited to the following:
- Motivational Interviewing
- Field Training
- Trauma Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention
- SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression)
- Procedural Justice
Department instructors are certified by NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Through dynamic leadership our vision is to be a progressive, proactive and innovative probation department that embraces our partnership with our community.
Commitment to our Communities
- Deliver quality service
- Implement active justice partnership
- Promote effective collaborations with community resources
- Provide community education through effective public relations
- Respond to individual community needs
- Uphold public safety
- Be culturally sensitive, unbiased and respectful of all people
Commitment to our Department
- Demonstrate responsible leadership at all levels
- Encourage innovation and creativity
- Ensure appropriate human, financial and material resources
- Furnish relevant and timely training
- Have open and honest communication
- Promote a harassment free work environment
- Provide an environment where health, safety, and wellness are encouraged and supported
- Provide equitable systems and recognize excellence
- Practice fair discipline and discharge procedures
- Strengthen the Probation profession
- Treat all employees with equal consideration and respect
Accountability
Compassion
Dedication
Efficiency
Honesty
Integrity
Professionalism
Respect
The Westchester County Department of Probation is a law enforcement agency committed to the protection, safety and quality of life in the communities we serve. As highly skilled and dedicated professionals, we employ a balanced approach through the use of prevention, intervention, and control strategies utilizing a continuum of comprehensive services. We provide information, access, and recommendations to the courts and other authorities, enforce court ordered sanctions, respond to the needs of victims, assist families in crisis, and help offenders modify their behaviors.