In preparation for the next academy class anticipated to start next January, SEPTA is holding a Transit Police Officer Information Session on Thursday, September 1.
Targeted to candidates who are interested in learning more about career opportunities as a SEPTA Transit Police Officer, the session will cover:
- General information about Transit Police Officer recruitment, including work experience and education requirements, physical fitness tests, background checks, and how to apply
- “A Look into the Life of a Transit Police Officer”
- Review of the Police Officer Training Program
- Information on the pre-employment testing for Transit Police Officers
- Employee benefits overview
- Q&A with Transit Police representatives and recruiters
In an effort to reward SEPTA Transit Police officers for their hard work and attract new candidates, SEPTA reached an agreement in June with the Fraternal Order of Transit Police (FOTP) to increase wages under the current collective bargaining agreement.
As a result, the starting salary for a SEPTA Transit Police Department recruit entering the Police Academy increased from $46,536 to $56,507. Post-graduation pay increased to $62,379, and after two years, officers now reach a base salary of $74,588. There are longevity pay increases in subsequent years, and SEPTA offers very competitive benefits and retirement programs.
“Like many police departments, SEPTA has faced challenges attracting new police officers in recent years,” said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards. “These salary adjustments recognize the hard work being done by our current officers and better position us to attract new candidates.”
SEPTA Acting Police Chief Charles Lawson said retaining and attracting talented officers is critical as the authority embarks on efforts to build ridership.
“SEPTA Transit Police are committed to ensuring that the system is safe and secure,” Lawson said. “By making these investments in our workforce, we are supporting Transit Police as they strive to make SEPTA welcoming for all riders.”
The Transit Police Officer Information Session will be held on September 1 from 5 to 6:30 pm at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street in Philadelphia.
Interested candidates must register for the event here: https://jobs.septa.org/job/Philadelphia-Transit-Police-Officer-%280007%29-Penn-19107/921887800/.
For more information about SEPTA, please visit septa.org, follow @SEPTA on Twitter, or download the official SEPTA app.