Job Description

Police Officer-Entry Level & Certified

Police Officer – Entry Level & Certified

Department: Police
Employment Type: Full-Time
Status: Entry Level (Non-Certified) and Certified Officers

Serve with purpose. Protect with pride.
The Hanover Police Department is seeking dedicated, community-minded professionals to serve one of New England’s most vibrant and engaged communities. Whether you are beginning your law enforcement career or are an experienced certified officer, Hanover offers a rewarding opportunity to serve with integrity, professionalism, and strong community support—while enjoying competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and long-term career growth.

Position Overview

The Hanover Police Department is accepting applications for both Entry Level (Non-Certified) Police Officers and Full-Time Certified Police Officers. Officers serve a dynamic college-town community and are supported by a department that values accountability, inclusion, and community-oriented policing.

Compensation, Incentives & Hiring Bonuses

Certified Police Officers

•  Hiring bonus (UPDATED):
  • $30,000 for Full-time certified officers
• Out-of-state full-time certified officers will not be eligible to receive the hiring bonus until they have successfully completed the New Hampshire Police Standards & Training Council Law Package and obtained New Hampshire police certification.
• Starting salary within the listed range, commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Regular opportunities for pay increases beyond entry salary

Entry Level (Non-Certified) Police Officers

• $5,000  hiring bonus
• Hiring bonus paid upon successful completion of NH Police Academy
• Salary increases upon:
  • Successful completion of the NH Police Academy
  • Six (6) months of successful employment
• Annual pay increases thereafter, in addition to the entry-level salary range

Education & Fitness Incentives (All Officers)

• Education Incentives (added to base salary):
  • Associate’s Degree: 2%
  • Bachelor’s Degree: 4%
  • Master’s Degree: 6%
• Physical Fitness Incentives (Cooper Standards – 50th Percentile):
  • 2% added to base salary in the first year
  • 1% added for each subsequent year requirements are met
  • Up to 8% total fitness incentive

Benefits

The Town of Hanover offers an outstanding and highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Choice of three excellent health insurance plans
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Town-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Town-paid life insurance
• New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS)
• Dental plan
• Supplemental insurance and retirement savings options
• And much more

About Hanover, NH

Hanover is a historic and dynamic small college community in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, located along the Connecticut River and minutes from Vermont—just 2.5 hours from Boston. Home to Dartmouth College, a vibrant downtown, and the Appalachian Trail, Hanover offers exceptional quality of life with year-round outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and strong community engagement.

The Town proudly supports the mission of its professional, capable, and community-focused police department.

Why Join the Hanover Police Department

• Serve a highly engaged and supportive community
• Work in a department committed to professionalism, accountability, and inclusion
• Competitive salary structure with bonuses and incentive-based enhancements
• Exceptional municipal benefits and long-term career stability
• Opportunities for advancement, training, and professional growth

Hiring Process

Entry Level (Non-Certified) Candidates

• Written examination
• Physical fitness test (same day as written exam)
• Oral board interview (same day for candidates who pass prior steps)
• Polygraph examination
• Medical and psychological evaluations
• Comprehensive background investigation

Certified Police Officer Candidates

• Physical agility test
• Oral board interview
• Polygraph examination
• Medical and psychological evaluations
• Comprehensive background investigation

Candidates are strongly encouraged to review physical fitness standards prior to testing.

Required Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Certified applicants must be full-time certified police officers at time of application

Certificates/Security Clearances/Other

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online. For questions about this opportunity, please contact Elizabeth Rathburn at the Hanover Police Department.

The Town of Hanover is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Hanover Police Department strives to be inclusive and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures to apply, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans.