Below is a short video which explains New York City Civil Service Law, Section 61, known as the “1 in 3 Rule”.

Law Office of Kevin P. Sheerin

If you have any questions about the “1 in 3 Rule” please feel free to contact me at 516 248 0040.

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Mr. Harvey Randall, a New York State Civil Service law scholar and author of NY Public Personnel Law  https://publicpersonnellaw.blogspot.com/ mentioned that the “three looks and you’re out” is a New York City specific rule and I thank him for that correction. 

The rule in New York City states:

Personnel Rules and Regulations of the City of New York

RULE IV – EXAMINATION PROCEDURES, VETERANS PREFERENCE, ELIGIBLE LISTS AND CERTIFICATION

SECTION I–GENERAL EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

4.7.4. Limitation on Certifications

No name shall be certified more than three times to the same agency head for the same or similar position unless at such officer’s request. However, only those who have been actually entitled to consideration for selection shall be charged with certification. For appointment to the position of police officer in the police, transit police, or housing police services, no name certified three times to one agency head shall be certified to another unless at such agency head’s request.