Careers at the MTA
The Military Transportation Authority (MTA) is a specialized law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring the safety and security of New York City's transit systems, including subways, buses, and commuter rails.
The purpose of the MTA is to ensure that citizens can travel safely on the railways that serve Staten Island, Metro-North, and LIRR. This includes ensuring the railway infrastructure remains intact and the patrolling and security of stations on the railways.
The agency employs over 1200 officers, and their remit covers 14 counties in nine districts across New York and Connecticut.
Careers in the MTA police cover a variety of specialties, such as:
- Law enforcement (police officers, detectives)
- Patrol officers
- Branch officers
- Emergency communications operators
Representatives of the MTA police also work in specialist police agencies such as
- Highway Unit
- Computer Crimes
- Detective agencies
- Homeless assistant unit.
MTA Police Application Process
The application process for the MTA Police is highly competitive, but it's worth it for those committed to serving and protecting New York City's transit systems.
The process includes multiple stages designed to evaluate candidates' critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Additional stages include a physical fitness test, an agility test, and a comprehensive background check. Candidates must also pass a medical examination and a psychological evaluation before any offer is made.
MTA Police Online Application
All applicants for positions with the MTA police must complete an online application form through the MTA online jobs portal.
The MTA Police online application form is a comprehensive questionnaire that seeks to gather as much information as possible about the candidate's background and qualifications. It is divided into several sections, including personal information, education, employment history, and military service.
Individuals who have served in the military must also provide information about their branch of service, rank, and dates of service, including a copy of their certificate of release or discharge from active duty (DD-214).
When completing the application form, it is important to be thorough, as the MTA Police Department conducts a thorough background investigation to ensure the integrity and character of its officers.
MTA Police Psychometric Tests
The MTA police exam is a paper-based assessment designed to test a wide range of cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, spatial awareness, and decision-making.
The test is split into different sections, each designed to evaluate different skills and abilities.
MTA Police Written Examination
The MTA Police written examination is a comprehensive multiple-choice test that assesses a candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities in various areas.
There are two types of MTA police written examination. The specific examination an individual sits depends on the type of role applied for.
Section one of the exam lasts approximately one and a half hours and assesses candidates on their numerical reasoning ability, reading and writing skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Lasting approximately five hours and comprising 200 questions, section two of the MTA police examination evaluates candidates in multiple areas including numerical reasoning ability, problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and memory retention.
Questions in this section may include puzzles, math problems, and pattern recognition exercises and are assessed in different sections.
MTA numerical reasoning test
The math section of the MTA Police written exam evaluates a candidate's ability to solve basic arithmetic problems, interpret graphs and charts, and apply mathematical concepts to situations they may face when in the role.
MTA reasoning and problem-solving
The reasoning and problem-solving exam assesses a candidate's critical thinking skills.
Questions are given in the form of abstract information. Candidates must analyze the data provided, identify patterns between the data, and draw conclusions to select which of the multiple-choice answers given is correct.
MTA memory and visualization test
The memory and visualization section of the MTA Police written exam evaluates a candidate's ability to recall information.
Questions are presented in different abstract formats, requiring candidates to visualize spatial relationships and interpret visual representations to identify which options correctly answer the question.
MTA language skills test
The language skills section of the exam assesses a candidate's ability to read and comprehend written material, as well as their ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.
MTA situational judgment
The situational judgment test evaluates a candidate's ability to assess complex situations, make sound decisions, and take appropriate action when under pressure. The test takes the form of a series of scenarios that candidates will likely encounter when in a role, along with a series of statements.
Candidates must select which of the statements best represents the way they would react to behave in the given situation.
MTA physical, medical, and psychological tests
In addition to the written exam, candidates must also pass a physical agility test, a medical evaluation, a psychological evaluation, and a thorough background investigation before being hired as MTA Police officers.
MTA panel Interview
Candidates who pass the MTA police exam are invited to attend a panel interview, the final step before an offer of employment is made.
The interview is conducted by a panel of experienced law enforcement professionals, including MTA Police officers, sergeants, and lieutenants.
During the panel interview, candidates are asked questions to assess their judgment, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and suitability for the position. The panel also evaluates the candidate's confidence and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Candidates must outline their experience, education, and training to demonstrate their suitability for the position. In addition, individuals must use their past experiences to answer scenario-based questions to highlight their skills and competencies as necessary for the role.
Tips To Get Hired At The MTA Police
The MTA Police assessment process is designed to be challenging. To ensure you perform at your best in the assessments, it is essential to prepare thoroughly.
1) Practice aptitude tests
Before sitting the MTA police exam, it is vital to practice aptitude tests. Practicing the ability tests ensures you are familiar with the types of questions you may get asked in the actual test.
2) Do your research
To prepare for the MTA Police Panel interview, candidates should review the MTA Police Department's mission statement, organizational structure, and policies. Candidates should also familiarize themselves with the job duties and responsibilities of an MTA Police Officer and become familiar with law enforcement terminology and procedures.
3) Be confident
As an MTA police officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with passengers, coworkers, and other law enforcement agencies. During the hiring process, demonstrate your communication skills by speaking clearly, listening actively, and providing thoughtful responses.
4) Show your commitment to public service
MTA police officers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the public. During the hiring process, emphasize your commitment to public service and your desire to make a positive impact in your community.
5) Refresh your memory on principles or concepts
Make sure you refresh your memory on any mathematical principles or concepts that you will use in the math section of the MTA police exam. Hone your problem-solving, visualization, and abstract reasoning skills by practicing puzzles or doing crosswords.
