Arlington PD: Full-Time Entry Level Officer

These are the minimum qualifications required by state law to serve as a police officer in Massachusetts. All applicants must meet these baseline standards to be considered eligible.

• Be a U.S. Citizen (Birth or naturalization).
• Possess a valid Massachusetts Driver's License.
• Must have completed the Full-Time MPTC Police Academy. Candidates certified through the Bridge Academy only are not eligible.
• 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 a thorough and comprehensive background investigation.
• Pass a medical and psychological exam.
• Must pass the PAT prior to entrance into the full-time MPTC Police Academy.

In addition to state standards, the Arlington PD has outlined minimum qualifications and preferences that reflect the needs, values, and expectations of our department and community.

• Age Requirements: Candidates must be at least 21 and not older than 32 at the time your application is submitted.
• Residency Requirements: Must reside within 15 miles of Arlington, MA no later than one year after employment begins.
• Educational Requirements: Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
• Fitness Requirements: Must pass the department-held fitness test.
• Preferred Eligibility: Preference will be given to candidates who meet certain additional qualifications (such as residency, specialized training, or relevant experience). However, all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration.

Salary for Patrol Officer:

• $83,875 - $113,504 (Education Dependent)

Benefits:

• Educational Incentive: 10%-25% (eligibility is contingent upon various qualifying degrees).
• Longevity Pay.
• (13) Paid Holidays.
• (12-30) Vacation Days/Year.
• (4-9) Administrative Days/Year.
• (15) Sick Days/Year.
• Generous Compensatory Time-Off Benefit.
• Paid Training and Professional Development Opportunities, Compensated with Both Pay & Time Due.
• Detail Rate: $75/Hour.
• Overtime Rate: Time and a Half From 8 PM to 8 AM.
• Health Insurance Premiums = 75% Town, 25% Employee with Generous Out-of-Pocket Cost Protections.

Here’s what the journey looks: 

• Submit your application for review and eligibility determination.
• May receive an invitation to attend the department's voluntary physical fitness assessment in preparation for the fitness test to be held on a later date.
• Pass the department's fitness test to determine eligibility to proceed in the hiring process.
• Eligible candidates may receive invitation to panel interview.
• Undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
• Pass a medical and psychological exam.
• Receive conditional offer of employment.
• Pass the state-mandated PAT, required to enter the Full-Time MPTC Academy.

The Arlington Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.