Arlington PD: Full-Time Lateral Transfer Officer

Job Description

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Welcome to Arlington PD: Lateral transfers don’t start over here — they step into opportunity. 

If you’ve built your career as a law enforcement professional and are looking for a department where your experience matters, Arlington PD is ready to welcome you. Here, lateral transfers are not just filling a role — they’re helping shape the future of a progressive and accredited agency.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here! Department Highlights:

• Forward-Thinking Leadership: Arlington PD is a progressive agency committed to accountability, innovation, and officer wellness.
• Accredited Agency: Standards here rival larger departments, but with the flexibility and responsiveness of a mid-sized force.
• Opportunities for Growth: Lateral transfers are not “starting over.” Certified officers are eligible for specialized assignments, including Detectives, Traffic, SRO, Comfort Dog Program, Motorcycle Unit & Bike Unit.
• Your Voice Counts: Policy and practice aren’t just handed down — officer input actively shapes the department’s future.
• Diverse Patrol Environment: From historic neighborhoods and bustling commercial districts to over 200 acres of parks and conservation land, your beat is never one-dimensional.
• Community Trust: Arlington PD invests in partnerships like the Citizens Police Academy, Youth Public Safety Academy, and other proactive programs that strengthen relationships.
• Prime Location: Situated just six miles from Boston, Arlington combines the energy of an urban-adjacent town with the stability of a close-knit community.

You’ve earned your stripes — now find the department that puts them to work. Arlington PD: Where your new opportunities begin!

 

Minimum Requirements

Before you apply, make sure you qualify!

• Certification: Must be POST Certified.
• Massachusetts Officer Status Required: Only applicants currently employed full-time as police officers in a Massachusetts police department are eligible for lateral transfer consideration.
• Academy Training: Must have completed training through the Full-Time MPTC Police Academy. Candidates certified through the Bridge Academy only are not eligible.
• Fitness: Must pass the fitness test held by the department.
• Background & Examinations: Must pass an extensive background investigation, medical and psychological examination.
• Non-Smoker: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 101A, candidate(s) must be a non-smoker for a period of one (1) year prior to appointment.
• Residency: Candidate must establish residency within 15 miles of the limits of the Town of Arlington within one (1) year from the date of appointment.
• Additional Requirements: Eligible applicants must also meet the Additional Qualifications outlined below. 
   

Additional Qualifications

To be considered for a lateral transfer position, applicants must also meet all of the additional requirements.

Do You Qualify? Eligibility Criteria

To be considered an eligible applicant for our Lateral Transfer position:

• Candidates must hold current POST Certified Full-Time Police Officer status, and be a full-time enforcement officer with a Massachusetts law enforcement agency in order to apply to the Department as a Lateral Transfer.
• A FT Lateral Transfer applicant must be certified and in good standings with the National Decertification Index (NDI).
• Must be of good moral character and fit for employment, as determined by the POST Commission.
• Preference may 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 & Compensation

The Arlington PD offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package designed to support long-term career satisfaction.

Salary

Salary for Patrol Officer:

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

Compensation Beyond the Paycheck

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.

 

Hiring Process

The process to getting hired by the Arlington Police Department is designed to ensure we select candidates who are prepared, qualified, and ready to serve our community.

The Path to Hiring Success

What to expect from our hiring process:

• 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 exams.
• Receive conditional offer of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.