Boston Housing Authority PD: Full-Time Entry Level Officer

Job Description

Ready for a Career That Hits Hard and Means Something? 

The Boston Housing Authority PD is actively recruiting Full-Time Entry Level Police Officers who are ready to jump-in, stand-out, and lead from day one.

Why BHA PD? Because this isn’t your average patrol job. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

• You’ll be policing housing communities—a unique domain where building trust, cultivating relationships, and being a visible force for good matters just as much as enforcement.
• Work side-by-side with the Boston Police Department (BPD) — we share an integrated communications center on the BPD network. Real-time coordination, real urban impact.
• Your actions directly affect quality of life: safer buildings, peaceful neighborhoods, empowered residents. It’s public safety with purpose.
• You’ll serve in a culturally rich, diverse environment—every shift brings a new set of faces, stories, and leadership opportunities.
• The agency’s philosophy: fairness + common sense + the correct rules of law. We care about justice and community.
• Career paths are visible: Housing-specific policing, community liaison roles, multi-agency task forces, and beyond.
• Operate within Boston’s evolving safety landscape—be part of the change, not on the sidelines.
• Training and resources aligned with major city standards thanks to our integrated operations with BPD—but in an environment where you’re still highly visible, accessible, and accountable.
• The mission is clear: preserve public peace and order, protect life and property. Your motto becomes more than words—it becomes your footprint across Boston’s housing neighborhoods.

If you’re ready to step into a role where your energy, judgment and compassion meet structure, integrity and impact—then the Boston Housing Authority Police Department wants you.
 

Minimum Requirements

To be considered, eligible candidates must meet or exceed the Minimum Requirements as outlined below.

• Be a U.S. Citizen (Birth or naturalization).
• Be at least 21 years of age upon submission of application.
• Must read, write, and speak the English language.
• Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate; college education preferred.
• Possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Possess or ability to possess an unrestricted Massachusetts Class A License to Carry a Firearm (LTC-A).
• Not be a convicted felon, or have convictions from another jurisdiction that would be treated as a felony in the Commonwealth.
• Not smoke and stay a non-smoker. Smoking of tobacco products is prohibited as outlined by G.L. c. 41 Section 101A of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• Must pass interstate criminal and a driver's history.
• Must successfully pass the physical fitness test.
• Have the ability to pass a thorough background and psychological examination prior to employment.
• Must pass oral interviews.
• Must pass medical examination.
• Be able to obtain CJIS Certification.
• Achieve 70%+ on the getbadged Entry Exam.

Additional Qualifications

• Must have the ability to analyze information and evidence.
• Possess the ability to write clear, descriptive reports or other required documents relative to events, incidents, or occurrences or activities.
• Ability to maintain self-control and use sound judgement under stressful situations.
• Ability to work with people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds of all economic levels.
• Ability to follow the orders and directives of supervisors and to act without direct supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with development Managers, other Authority personnel, tenants, Department of Public Safety staff members, the staff of the Boston Police Department, and other Public Safety Officials.
• Should have experience that demonstrates his/her involvement with crime prevention programs and community organizing.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of public housing and the Boston Housing Authority is desirable.

Salary & Compensation

The Boston Housing Authority is pleased to offer a generous Salary and Benefits Compensation Package.

Salary:

• The BHA PD offers an Annual Salary of $65,000.

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• (14) Paid Holidays
• (2) Weeks' Vacation
• (3) Weeks' of Paid Sick Leave
• MBTA Discount
• Participation in the City's Pension Plan
• Healthcare through the Commonwealth
• Union: New England Police Benevolent Association, Inc.

Hiring Process

The path to becoming a Boston Housing Authority Police Officer is thorough, fair, and built to find the best. Our process looks beyond basic qualifications to identify candidates with the character, judgment, and community mindset needed to serve Boston’s housing communities.

It includes multiple steps—written and physical assessments, interviews, background and medical reviews, and academy training—all designed to ensure every officer is ready to protect, serve, and make a lasting impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Boston Housing Authority PD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the BHA PD to hire, recruit, train and promote employees without discrimination because of race, religion, political affiliation, physical disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or age. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.