FT Entry Level Officer

Hiring Update: (Sept. 19, 2026)

The Arlington Police Department recently filled three Police Officer positions and is now seeking candidates to fill four (4) additional positions . Qualified candidates interested in joining the department are encouraged to review the requirements below and submit an application for consideration.

Arlington PD Wants New Recruits Ready to Do More Than Wear the Badge. Image

This isn’t just about getting hired — it’s about joining a department that invests in you from Day One and expects you to bring your best.

Arlington PD is Different — Here’s What You Need to Know:

• Established in the 1800s, with a legacy of adapting and leading through change.
• In 2025, the department transitioned from the Civil Service system for entry level recruitment to gain greater flexibility and accountability in hiring.
• 68 sworn officers strong — big enough for opportunity, small enough to know your name.
• Forward-thinking recruitment: early orientations and fitness prep assessments before the test that counts.
• Deep community roots: youth programs, citizen academies, and engagement opportunities — all at no cost to residents.
• Specialty Units within the department include detectives, traffic, SRO, Comfort Dog Program, motorcycle unit and bicycle unit.
• Nationally accredited — holding ourselves to the highest professional standards, by choice.

This is not a place to “just get by.” We want officers who think beyond enforcement — leaders in and out of uniform. If you’re ready to step up, connect, and be the change, apply today. Minimum Requirements Below are the minimum requirements as outlined by Massachusetts state law for police officer candidates, as well as the minimum requirements unique to the Arlington Police Department. As an agency conducting their Entry Level recruitment and hiring outside of the Civil Service agency, the Arlington PD has the flexibility to establish department-specific criteria to help us identify the strongest and most aligned candidates for our team.

State-Mandated Requirements (Per Massachusetts Law)

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 the ability to successfully complete the Full-Time MPTC Police Academy.
• 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 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.

Arlington PD Department-Specific Requirements

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 & 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

Joining the Arlington Police Department starts with a clear, step-by-step hiring process that reflects the standards and values of our agency.

The Path to Hiring Success

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.

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.