Employment

Canandaigua, in the heart of the Finger Lakes, is one of the fastest growing areas in the state with a current population around 12,000.

After successfully completing the written New York State Civil Service exam, candidates will be ranked according to score on a qualified list. A candidate could then be interviewed by the Department and possibly go on for further Civil Service testing.

Get information from Ontario County Civil Service on the next exam.

After a candidate is hired, he or she would then go through basic police training at the Academy and be assigned to the Patrol Division of the Police Department for field training. Eventually officers will patrol on their own.

Join Our Team

A career with the City of Canandaigua Police Department offers individuals a chance to experience unlimited professional and personal growth. Career possibilities within this medium-sized department remains highly competitive with larger departments. After prerequisite experience as a Patrol Officer on the force, officers are eligible to apply for assignment to specialized units of duties, including but not limited to:

  • Police Instructor
  • Juvenile Investigation
  • Hostage Negotiator
  • Accreditation Manager
  • Accident Investigator
  • Expandable Baton Instructor
  • Bicycle Patrol Officer
  • Evidence Technician
  • Field Training Officer
  • Department Armorer
  • Firearms Instructor
  • Crime Prevention Officer
  • Detective/Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • Child Passenger Seat Technician

Requirements

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Be 21 by date of employment
  • Be in good physical condition
  • Have a good moral character
  • Vision must be no worse than 20/100 correctable to 20/30
  • Be a licensed driver with a clean record
  • Submit to drug testing prior to appointment
  • Physical testing
  • Thorough background
  • Formal interview

Promotions to the rank of Sergeant and Lieutenant are governed by competitive promotional exams administered by the New York Civil Service Commission.

Lateral Candidates

The Canandaigua Police Department accepts resumes from current full-time police officers in NYS on a continuous basis. Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Chief Mathew Nielsen
21 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424

Or via email to Chief Nielsen.

Civil Service Exam

Out-of-state full-time police officers must take the New York State (NYS) Civil Service Exam and thus are not eligible for a lateral transfer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Canandaigua Police Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages the application of anyone interested.