We, the people of New York are advocating for the removal of the maximum age limit for taking civil service exams for all New York State Police Agencies, including all regional state park police or any police force or police department of any county, city, town, village, housing authority, transit authority or police district, including detectives and investigators, as they pertain to appointment and eligibility requirements.

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of New York, petition for the removal of the maximum age limit for taking Civil Service exams for all New York State Police Agencies. We believe that age should not hold such a determining factor or be a barrier to qualified and dedicated individuals who wish to serve their communities as law enforcement officers. 

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to eliminate arbitrary age restrictions in various aspects of life, including employment opportunities. Such age limits can prevent qualified and capable individuals from pursuing a career in law enforcement and undermine our state's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. There has been a growing recognition of the valuable life experience, skills, and diversity of perspectives that individuals of varying age groups can bring to the field of law enforcement. The current age limits imposed on civil service exams can often unjustly restrict highly qualified and motivated individuals from pursuing a career in public safety and law enforcement. Other states do not impose such age restrictions on individuals aspiring to become police officers.

**Maintaining Rigorous Standards:**

It is crucial to highlight that the removal of age limits does not compromise the high standards expected of law enforcement officers. Recruits will still be required to undergo rigorous evaluations, including physical fitness assessments (e.g., the Cooper Standard), background checks, psychological examinations, hearing and vision tests, and overall health assessments as prerequisites for positions within New York State Police Agencies.

**Benefits of Removing Age Limits:**

The elimination of age limits while maintaining these stringent requirements will lead to more competitive selection processes. It will ensure that the individuals selected for service are not only diverse but also fully qualified and capable. This approach will help recruit and retain a pool of highly qualified and dedicated officers. These aspects will benefit New York State tremendously.

The removal of the age limit to become an officer in NYS will have many benefits.

1. **Experience and Maturity**: Many older candidates possess valuable life experiences, professional skills, and a strong sense of responsibility, making them excellent candidates for careers in law enforcement. They can bring a level of maturity, stability, and problem-solving abilities that are crucial in this field. 

2. **Diversity and Inclusion**: Removing the maximum age limit will enhance diversity and inclusion within New York State Police Agencies. It will open the door for a wider range of candidates from various backgrounds, contributing to a more representative and responsive police force.

3. **Workforce Shortages**: In a time when many law enforcement agencies are facing workforce shortages, it is imperative to tap into the pool of older, experienced individuals who may be seeking a career change. This can help alleviate staffing issues and maintain public safety standards.

4. **Fair Opportunity**: Removing the maximum age limit ensures that all individuals, regardless of their age, have a fair opportunity to pursue their dream of serving their community through a law enforcement career. It promotes equality of opportunity.

5.**COVID 19**: There have been plenty of New Yorkers who have been impacted by COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted career plans for individuals of all ages. Many who may have wished to take Civil Service exams have faced setbacks due to these unforeseen circumstances. There are several cases of people who have passed the age limit for Civil Service exams due to the Pandemic. Removing the age limit would provide a second chance to those affected.

**Support from Senate Bill S1115:**       

We are pleased to note that Senate Bill S1115, currently under consideration in the New York State Legislature, supports the removal of age limits for Civil Service exams. This bill recognizes the importance of a more inclusive approach to law enforcement recruitment and aligns with our petition's goals.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S1115

**Bipartisan Support:**

We want to emphasize that the need for the removal of age limits transcends political affiliations. It doesn't matter if you are Republican or Democrat; this is an issue that affects all of us. It's about ensuring that capable and experienced individuals, regardless of their political background, have the opportunity to serve their communities. We call for bipartisan support for Senate Bill S1115 and similar legislation, advocating for fairness and diversity in law enforcement.

We want to amend section 58 of the civil service law and section 215 of the executive law to provide that municipalities or state authorities may not restrict the age of police officers in New York.

We believe that this change will strengthen our law enforcement agencies, foster diversity, and uphold the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. In signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with those who aspire to serve their communities and call for a more inclusive approach to law enforcement recruitment, without restrictions on age limitations. Such restrictions do not account for expertise, level of equipped personnel, and diversity in experience. Therefore this implementation will strengthen our police forces, improve public safety, and enhance the reputation of our great state.

We are committed to supporting and advocating for this cause, and we are confident that many others within our community share this perspective. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further and contribute to the development of a more inclusive policy.

We, The People of New York humbly request that New York State Police Agencies, including all regional state park police or any police force or police department of any county, city, town, village, housing authority, transit authority, or police district, including detectives and investigators, as they pertain to appointment and eligibility requirements, reevaluate and remove the maximum age limit for taking Civil Service exams in alignment with Senate Bill S1115.**

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

We, the People of New York State