Northampton, MA PD: FT Entry Level Officer

Job Description

Northampton is a vibrant city of just under 30,000 residents, blending rich history with a lively, modern culture. By day, our downtown buzzes as a thriving business hub, and by night, it transforms into a dynamic social scene filled with music, art, and community spirit.

The Northampton PD is at the forefront of community policing. We’re not just here to serve; we’re here to connect. From walking the streets of our iconic downtown and sharing conversations with residents to hosting Coffee with a Cop, running our Citizens Police Academy, and participating in charitable events, we pride ourselves on fostering trust, collaboration, and unity with the people of Northampton.

Now’s your chance to join a department that champions innovation, growth, and community engagement. At NPD, we believe in supporting our officers both personally and professionally, offering an environment that’s progressive, proactive, and committed to making a difference.

We’re looking for motivated, personable individuals ready to take on new challenges. If you’re eager to make an impact, we have three immediate Entry-Level openings waiting for candidates like you.

Apply today to start your journey with NPD and be part of a team that’s redefining policing while shaping a safer, stronger Northampton.

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Be at least 21 years of age upon submission of application, but not older than 37;
• Residency: In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 99A, candidate must establish residency within 15 miles of the limits of the City of Northampton within one year from the date of appointment;
• Education: Must have an Associate's Degree, or
  • Attained an equivalent number of credits (60) prior to the date of hire, or
  • Have receipt of an honorable discharge or released under honorable conditions after two (2) years of uninterrupted military service (presentation of DD-214 military discharge at time of application; and
    • Required to be actively enrolled at an accredited college or university, attaining at least twelve (12) credits annually until completion of Associates Degree requirements.
• Valid ID/License: Must have a valid Massachusetts license before appointment;
• Non-Smoker: Must be a non-smoker of tobacco products under M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 101A, and remain a non-smoker;
• Background: Must pass a comprehensive background investigation;
• Character: No person who has been convicted of a felony shall be appointed as a police officer; and
• Entry Exam: Must pass the getbadged entry exam with a 70% or above.

Additional Qualifications

Must have the ability to: 

• Qualify for a valid Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms Permit;
• Pass the medical exam before participating in the Physical Abilities Test (PAT);
• Pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT);
• Pass a psychological exam;

• Successfully pass the physical fitness test at the 30th percentile of the Cooper Aerobics Institute’s standards, as required by the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) for entry into the full-time MPTC Police Academy, as outlined below:

  Document

  MPTC Academy Fitness Standards, Updated May 2023
  Document

  MPTC Health & Wellness Preparation Guide
• Successfully complete the full-time MPTC Police Academy;
• Pass an oral interview prior to appointment; and
• Perform the duties of a Northampton Police Officer.

Salary & Compensation

Annual Salary Range:

• $53,907 - $73,469 (Increased Rate Beginning July 2025)

Other Compensation:

• Educational Incentive Program: Officers with qualifying degrees earn annual stipends added to their base salary, paid in two installments (June and December), as shown below. Degrees in specified fields (e.g., criminal justice, psychology, forensic science) qualify for full stipends. Degrees in other fields earn $2,500 annually. Eligibility begins after probation, and all degrees are subject to review by the Chief of Police and Human Resources.
  • Associate’s Degree: $5,000
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $9,000
  • Master’s Degree: $11,000
• Health Insurance: The City pays 80% of a full-time employee's health insurance.
• Additional Insurance Benefits: Dental, Life, and Disability.
• Generous Paid Time Off: (14) Vacation Days, Paid Holidays, Personal and Sick Days.
• Mental Wellness Programs: Peer Support Team, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and Individual Counseling.
• Physical Wellness: State of the art Physical Fitness Center.
• Daily Paid Workout Time: Officers receive one hour of paid workout time per shift.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Overtime & Paid Detail Opportunities Available: Detail Rate = $79/hour, minimum of four hour shifts.
• Annual Clothing Allowance

Hiring Process

• Submit your application to the Northampton PD through your getbadged account;
• The selection committee will meet to review application packages to determine a candidate's eligibility;
• Applicant's who have met the Minimum Requirements and are eligible for consideration, may be invited to an Interview Panel and/or Chief of Police;
• Candidates may be invited to complete a comprehensive background investigation process, as well as pass the Medical, Psychological exam;
• Conditional Offer of Employment.