Police Officer Salaries Across The Us
Salaries of police officers are based on many factors, including experience, skills and training. However, one of the most important factors is based on geography. Certain areas of the country pay more, but are often in areas that have higher costs of living. For more information about what police officers can make and where they can make it, check out the map below.
Police Officer Salary In Massachusetts
How much does a Police Officer make in Massachusetts? The average Police Officer salary in Massachusetts is $63,800 as of September 27, 2021, but the range typically falls between $59,600 and $69,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
| Percentile | |
| 10th Percentile Police Officer Salary | $55,776 |
| 25th Percentile Police Officer Salary | $59,600 |
| 50th Percentile Police Officer Salary | $63,800 |
| 75th Percentile Police Officer Salary | $69,500 |
| 90th Percentile Police Officer Salary | $74,690 |
Apply For The 2016 Environmental Police Civil Service Exam
The Civil Service Unit of the Human Resources Division is currently accepting applications for the 2016 Environmental Police Officer Examination. Those who pass the exam will become the pool of applicants eligible for environmental police officer vacancies in the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
To become an environmental police officer, you must be at least 21 years old at the time of your appointment. You must also meet certain qualifications to become an environmental police officer, including having a high school diploma or equivalency certificate and sufficient work experience or higher education. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
If youre interested in applying to become an environmental police officer, keep these important dates in mind:
- The initial application deadline for the civil service exam, with an application fee of $100.
- The last day to register for the 2016 environmental police officer exam, with an additional late fee of $50. Applications received after this date will not be accepted, so apply soon.
- The date of the written civil service exam, held at various sites across the Commonwealth. Check the exam schedule for more details.
Once youve applied, check out this helpful reading list to study for the exam.
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Certificate In Law Enforcement
A certificate in criminal justice or criminology is an opportunity for individuals to gain specific instruction in an area of law enforcement. Since a certificate consists of a few classes and can be completed in a few months, the certificate can also provide an opportunity to get started on an associate degree without having to commit to the two years just yet. Certificates are also great in that some department require applicants to have some college credits, but do not require a full degree. Some of the courses available in a criminology or criminal justice certificate program are listed below:
Criminology
S To Becoming A Boston Police Officer
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What Does A Police Officer Do
In the simplest sense, police officers enforce laws and protect life and property. But of course, there is much more to it than that. Heres how it breaks down:
Policeofficers are sworn to protect and serve the communities in which they live andwork. They enforce laws, obtain warrants, arrest and interview suspects, securecrime and accident scenes, write detailed reports and testify in court, amongother duties. Officers often respond to emergency calls, working shifts thatoperate around the clock.
The specific duties of a police officer will be numerous and diverse. Based on appointment, length of service and training, they may work with a K-9 unit responding to suspicions of drugs or dangerous weapons in vehicles and other property. Or, they might take a role on the SWAT team where they need to know tactics and procedures for working under dangerous conditions. Much of their daily routine will involve patrolling a certain area, such as a portion of a town or city. As they move up the ranks, they may investigate crimes ranging from petty theft to murder.
Pass The Licensing Exam
The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.
Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.
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Vermont Trooper Or Highway Patrol Requirements
The Vermont State Police is now the largest law enforcement agency in the state.2 VSP troopers patrol state highways, respond to emergency calls, and investigate crimes, among other specialized duties. In addition to the VCJTC requirements, new troopers must:
- Be at least 20 years old at time of application
- Have vision correctable to at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/20 in the other
- Not have used illegal drugs one year prior to applying
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the military
- Be registered with the Selective Service System
- Be a resident in Vermont by the end of training
- Have a valid drivers license
- Not have tattoos or piercings visible while in short-sleeved uniform
- Not have been convicted of a felony
New recruits who are accepted and offered employment as a trooper must attend the Vermont Police Academy for basic training, as well as additional training specific to the VSP, before being certified. The starting salary for Vermont state troopers is $48,708.2
Becoming A Police Officer In Springfield Massachusetts
Jobs with the Springfield Police Department in Massachusetts involve using the latest technology to keep the city safe and secure for residents to live and work. The Springfield Police Department has recently begun taking crime tips anonymously via text with its unique Text-A-Tip program.
Becoming a police officer in Springfield may take a while to achieve, but the rewards of the job will be well worth the time spent.
Use this information if you wish to find out how to become a police officer in Springfield:
Step 1. Meet the Prerequisites for Springfield Police Officer Candidacy
You need to meet some basic prerequisites to become a police officer in Springfield:
- Be 21 or older when you take the Civil Service exam
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Have a valid Massachusetts drivers license
- Have no felony convictions
- Preference is given to Springfield city residents
If you meet these prerequisites, apply online to take the next scheduled Civil Service exam. They are offered every two years.
Step 2. Pass a Written Civil Service Exam
Step 3. Pass the Background and Interview Process
Step 4. Pass a Physical Fitness Test, Medical Exam, Psychological Assessment and Drug Test
Step 5. Complete Springfield Police Officer Training
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Register To Take The Civil Service Exam
To register to take the civil service exam to become a police officer, you need to create an account online. The states website has more information about the Civil Service exam.
The fee for the exam is $100. You can pay on the states website with a credit or debit card.
The exam fee may be waived for candidates receiving certain state or federal public aid, or unemployment insurance. You can find the fee waiver form on the state’s website.
How To Become A Boston Massachusetts Police Officer
The Boston Police Department hiring process is quite involved and can be broken into three parts: Part one is applying for and taking the Mass State Civil Service Exam. The exam is only offered once every two years and requires a fee of $100 for on-time registration. Candidates who pass the exam may move forward in the hiring process and apply to the Boston Police Department during an open police recruiting period.
In part two of the hiring process, eligible candidates who are contacted by the department after submitting an application will complete physical, medical, and psychological exams, as well as a background check and drug test. Those who remain in the selection pool after these steps may be conditionally hired as police recruits and invited to complete the third part of the selection process, attending training at the Boston Police Academy.
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Boston Police Officer Job Description
Boston police officers work to serve and protect the residents of Boston. Job duties are varied as officers are responsible for many tasks, including responding to service calls, patrolling the streets, and aiding residents during emergencies. Additionally, there are many specialized divisions in the Boston Police Department where officers work in specific areas of law enforcement, such as homicide or narcotics.
Becoming A Police Officer In Lowell Massachusetts
Becoming a police officer in Lowell, Massachusetts involves a process that may take between six and nine months to complete. As a police officer in Lowell youll be responsible for protecting the citizens of the fourth largest city in Massachusetts. Lowells police officers describe the job as very rewarding.
This article provides directions on how to become a cop in Lowell by satisfying the departments requirements:
Step 1. Meet the Fundamental Requirements for Lowell Police Officer Candidacy
Before beginning the arduous process to become a police officer in Lowell, you must meet fundamental requirements:
- Be 21 years old or older
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be of good moral character
- Have a high school diploma/GED
- Possess a valid Massachusetts drivers license
If you meet these requirements, apply to take the Civil Service Exam.
Step 2. Pass the Civil Service Exam for Police Officer in Massachusetts
The Civil Service Exam for Police Officer in Massachusetts is only offered every 24 months. You may apply online to take the test, which carries a $100 fee. A study guide is available to help you prepare for this general aptitude test.
Step 3. Pass an Interview and Background Investigation
Step 4. Pass Physical, Medical, Psychological and Drug Tests
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The Duties Of A Police Officer
Police Officers are typically responsible for the performance of the following tasks in Massachusetts:
- Enforce laws
- Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls
- Conduct traffic stops and issue citations
- Look for vehicle records and warrants using computers in the field
- Obtain warrants from the relevant authorities and arrest suspects
- Collect and secure evidence from the crime scene
- Observe the actions of suspects and determine what they could be up to
- Write detailed reports and fill out forms required in the daily operations at the department
- Prepare cases and testify in court when the need arises
Most police officers are required to patrol their assigned jurisdiction and investigate any activity they might find suspicious. They are required to wear uniforms when on duty to allow the public to easily recognize them as officers.
Some police officers may work with a specific type of crime, or in special units, such as SWAT or canine corps. The job is highly demanding and stressful and can be dangerous quite often. Officers are required to be alert throughout their shift and manage the danger levels in a manner that minimal harm is caused. The work is typically full time, and paid overtime is common.
Massachusetts Sheriff Deputy Requirements
The state of Massachusetts currently counts on 14 elected sheriffs around the state to transport and hold inmates at county houses of corrections and in some cases execute court orders and deliver legal documents. Unlike in most other states, Massachusetts sheriffs deputies do not have law enforcement functions. Prospective deputies must meet the state-level police recruit requirements plus any additional requirements held by the sheriffs office to which they are applying.
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Salaries For Police Officers In Ma
The average Massachusetts patrol officer makes around 56,000 a year. This amount varies based on the city or area they work, their education level, and their years of experience. As with most jobs, there is room for growth and advancement. The average salary for detectives in Massachusetts is 65,000 per year and the supervisors average is 85,000 per year. As you can see there is opportunity for advancement. Education is another factor that influences pay. Below is a list of schools which offer criminal justice programs or other fields which may pertain to a career in law enforcement. If a candidate has time while waiting to pass the Civil Service exam, it may be advisable to pursue a higher education in a related law enforcement program.
Training To Be A Police Officer In Ma
The basic requirements you must meet in Massachusetts to be eligible to take the Civil Service Exam are that you are 21 years old, have a valid Massachusetts state drivers license, are a legal citizen of the US, and have graduated with a high school diploma or achieved an equivalent level of education or served in the US armed forces for at least 3 years. Also, you will be subjected to a criminal background check and need to have lived where you want to apply for at least a year prior to taking the Civil Service Exam. As stated above, in order to apply for police work, one must pass the Civil Service Exam prior to applying. This exam includes a written ability test, a life experience survey and a work style questionnaire. How you do on this exam will dictate if you will be permitted to continue in the process of applying for police jobs in Massachusetts.
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Boston Police Officer Salary And Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a police officer in Boston in 2015 was $66,800.1 Officers are eligible to work overtime and paid details in order to increase their salary potential. Earning a college degree can also lead to additional pay. As city employees, all officers are eligible for health and life insurance benefits as well as paid time off and sick leave.
Becoming A Police Officer In Boston Massachusetts
The Boston Police Department was established in 1854, making it the oldest police department in the United States. Today, the Boston Police Department serves as the model for police departments in other communities.
Step 1. Possess the Necessary Credentials for Boston Police Officer Candidacy
You must verify a few qualifications before applying for Boston Police Officer jobs. They are:
- U.S. citizenship
- At least 21 years old
- High school diploma or GED, or served at least three years in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Valid Massachusetts drivers license
- Live in the city of Boston for at least one year prior to taking the Civil Service exam
If you meet these qualities, apply online to take the Civil Service exam. The exam is only given every two years.
Step 2. Pass the Police Officer Civil Service Exam
The first step towards becoming a police officer in Boston is to pass the Police Officer Civil Service exam required of all officers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The test costs $100 to take and consists of the following:
Step 3. Participate in an Orientation Session, Interview Session and Background Investigation
Step 4. Pass Psychological, Medical, Physical Ability and Drug Tests
Step 5. Complete Training at Boston Police Academy
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Associate Degree In Law Enforcement
An associate degree in law enforcement prepares graduates for police careers by providing the information necessary to pass police academy entrance exams. The associate degree usually takes two years to complete, is a well-rounded degree with general education courses mixed in, and serves as a stepping stone to the bachelors degree. Because each associate degree program will be tailored to the requirements of the local and regional law enforcement departments, curriculums will vary. However, some of the classes incoming students can expect include:
Crime Types
Find Out If You Meet The Requirements
The state holds a civil service exam every two years to become an officer. Contact civil service directly regarding the exam schedule, availability, and registration.
To become a police officer, you need to first take a written test. You also need to meet these requirements:
- You must have a valid Massachusetts Driver’s license.
- You must be at least 19 years of age and no more than 39 years of age on the date of the examination. *
- You need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. You can also satisfy this requirement with three years of military service and an honorable discharge.
- You must be a Boston resident at least one year before the date of your exam.
* You can take the written exam when you turn 19, but you wont be considered for a position until you turn 21.
Are you a veteran recognized by Civil Service, either on active duty or released from the military? You can add your service time to your age, up to four years, and still be eligible for appointment as an officer.
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