Police Captain (Town of Niagara)

The work involves responsibility for the operations of the patrol force and civilian staff during an assigned shift. Work is performed according to established policies and procedures of the department; however, independent judgment is exercised in assigning officers and supervising them in their duties. General supervision is received from the Police Chief. Does related work as required.

Five (5) years of permanent competitive status as a Police Officer in the Town of Niagara Police Department immediately preceding the date of the written examination. According to Civil Service Law, section 52.10(a) which became effective September 4, 2024, time served provisionally immediately preceding permanent appointment shall count towards meeting the time in title and the employee shall be eligible to take the promotion exam.

There will be a written test which you must pass in order to be considered for appointment. The written test will be designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:
1. Law enforcement methods and practices: These questions test for knowledge of accepted police methods and practices and/or their application to situations in the police field. The questions are a sampling of the various knowledge that police personnel may be required to possess in the course of their day -to-day work-related activities.
2. New York State Laws: These questions test for knowledge of the laws in effect on January 1, 2026 that law enforcement personnel may encounter in the course of their day-to-day work-related activities. The questions are a sampling of job-related sections of the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Family Court Act and other laws relevant to law enforcement in New York State.
3. Preparing written material in a police setting: These questions test for the ability to prepare the types of reports and communications that police personnel write. The content is appropriate for the ranks/levels being tested. Some questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately. They consist of restatements of information given in note form. You must choose the best version from each set of four choices. Other questions test for the ability to organize paragraphs. They consist of paragraphs with their sentences out of order. For each of the paragraphs you must choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.
4. Understanding and interpreting written material: These questions test how well you comprehend written material. You will be provided with brief reading selections and will be asked questions about the selections. All the information required to answer the questions will be presented in the selections; you will not be required to have any special knowledge relating to the subject areas of the selections.
5. Planning, supervising and administering police programs and activities: These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in managing an organizational segment of a police department in New York State and directing the activities of subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. These questions cover such areas as planning, controlling, directing, organizing, and coordinating the activities of the organizational section. Questions also cover the personal interactions between an upper-level supervisor and subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives and deal with issues of work assignments, job performance, and training. A Guide for the Written Test for Second- and Third-Line Police Supervisors is available at the New York State website: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm. Candidates not having access to a computer or the internet may request copy of the test guide from the municipal civil service office conducting this examination using the contact information found elsewhere on this announcement.