Needham PD: Full-Time Entry Level Officer

Contact Information

Lt. John McGrath
(781) 455-7570 ext. 1219
jmcgrath@needhamma.gov

99 School Street
Needham, MA 02492
United States

Type: FT Entry Level Officer
Is an exam required? Yes
Required Passing Score:
70%

Job Description

Needham Police Department is seeking high caliber Entry Level candidates looking to start a career where standards are high—and impact is real.

NPD group of officers

Located just outside of Boston, Needham is one of Massachusetts’ most respected communities—known for its strong civic pride, engaged residents, top-tier schools, and commitment to public safety. This is a town where professionalism matters and your work is truly valued.

Why Needham PD? Because this isn’t just your first job—it’s your foundation. At Needham PD, you’ll enter a department that prioritizes:

  • Professionalism & accountability.
  • Strong community relationships.
  • Modern, forward-thinking policing.
  • Opportunities for growth and specialization.
  • Build Your Career.

As you grow, so do your opportunities. Officers can advance into specialized roles such as School Resource Officer, Community Outreach & Engagement, Detective Division, Traffic & Motorcycle Units, Mountain Bike Patrol, and Metro-LEC (SWAT, Crisis Negotiation, Search & Rescue).

Who Are We Looking For? We’re seeking entry-level candidates who bring:

  • Strong character and integrity.
  • A commitment to service.
  • The ability to communicate with confidence and empathy.
  • A mindset focused on growth, discipline, and accountability.
  • No experience required—just the drive to step up and serve.

In Needham, you’re not just joining a department—you’re becoming part of a community that expects the best and supports those who deliver it. Start here. Grow here. Serve with purpose.


Minimum Requirements

All candidates for employment as sworn police officers of the Needham Police Department must meet the following basic selection criteria (minimum entrance requirements).

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States.
  • Must live within a 20-mile perimeter of the Town of Needham (measured as the crow flies, border to border).
  • Not be a convicted felon or have any equivalent convictions that would be a felony in Massachusetts.
  • Not be listed on the national registry of police officers whose law enforcement credentials have been revoked due to misconduct (National Decertification Index).
  • Be at least 21 years of age at the time of the examination.
  • Be a high school graduate or possess a General Equivalency Diploma.
  • Be a non-smoker.
  • Have a Massachusetts driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within a month of appointment.
  • Have the ability to obtain a Massachusetts License to Carry a Firearm.
  • Have the ability to pass a physical and psychological examination and any other requirement required by the MPTC to attend the Municipal Police Academy.
  • Have the ability to complete the recruit training academy and be certified as a Police Officer in Massachusetts.

All candidates must understand that these basic, minimum qualifications do not guarantee candidates an offer of employment. 

Additional Qualifications

Accountability Objectives:

A patrol officer is required to efficiently perform his/her duties in conformance with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the Needham Police Department, as well as perform essential tasks as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Human Resources as well as: 

  1. Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings.
  2. Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through preventative patrol and other court proceedings.
  3. Aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm.
  4. Facilitate the movement of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
  5. Identify problems that are potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems.
  6. Create and maintain a feeling of security in the community.
  7. Promote and preserve the peace.
  8. Provide other services on an emergency basis.

Salary & Compensation

The Needham PD is pleased to offer a generous Salary & Benefits package. 

Salary Range: 

  • Patrol Officer (P1) Step 3-9 = $31.31 - $40.63 hourly
  • Patrol Officer (P2) Step 5-9 = $43.98 - $49.74 hourly
  • Paid Detail Opportunities 

Annual Compensation Benefits:

  • Education Incentive
  • Health, Dental, Life & Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (MA SMART or Nationwide)
  • Generous Time-Off Package

Additional Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Training (In-house & Advanced)
  • Diverse Career Opportunities
  • Dedication to Upholding High Standards
  • Equal Opportunity Employer & Inclusive Workplace
  • Supportive Work Environment

Hiring Process

  • Achieve a 70% or above on GetBadged entry exam.
  • Pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
  • Interview Panel - May include a writing assignment.
  • Interview with the Chief of Police.
  • Conditional Offer of Employment.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

GetBadged will work to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance, please contact us at info@getbadged.com.

Candidate Profile

To apply you must complete your Candidate Profile Questionnaire.

Supporting Documents

A resume is required as part of your application. Strengthen your profile by attaching additional supporting documents.

Ready to Apply? Here’s What You Need to Do:

To apply, you must first Register for Your Exam (Entry Level) or become a POST Certified Academy Trained/Lateral Transfer Member.

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