The present maximum age restriction of 35 years of age has been in effect since 1991. Prior to 1991, the maximum age restriction was 29. Various medical studies have shown that age directly affects an individual's ability to perform the duties of a police officer. Therefore, an age restriction is necessary, reasonable and appropriate for the public safety of the City, as well as for the safety of police officers. Every citizen and visitor of New York City relies on the police to protect them and their loved ones, and if police officers cannot adequately perform their duties, valued lives are endangered.
Police work is very physical and hazardous in nature.
The safety of police officers and the public they serve often depends on their ability to run, climb and engage in armed and unarmed self-defense. Police officers must be able to perform such physical activity at any time during their tours of duty and throughout the duration of their careers. Older police officers without law enforcement experience are more likely to have greater difficulty performing these required functions. It is because of these rigorous activities that police officers have a required retirement age of 63. However, officers are also required under the Administrative Code to be permitted to serve a full 20 years before they are forced to retire, even if they have reached the age of 63.