FT Academy Trained Officer

Job Description

Arlington PD: Your Skills. Our Community. One Mission.

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Arlington Police Department is now accepting applications for Full-Time MPTC Certified Academy-Trained Officers to join our team. Serving a diverse, historic town just minutes from Boston, our department reflects the same character — professional, accredited, and dedicated to policing with integrity and innovation.

The Arlington PD Vibe

• Size with Balance: With 68 sworn officers, Arlington PD is large enough to offer specialty opportunities (Detectives, Traffic, SRO, Comfort Dog Program, Motorcycle Unit & Bike Unit), yet small enough that your contributions won’t go unnoticed.
• Progressive Leadership: At Arlington PD, innovation and accountability drive everything we do — and our commitment to officer wellness ensures our team is built to lead, not just serve.
• Unique History: Founded in the 1800s, Arlington PD is deeply tied to the town’s legacy — including Menotomy Minutemen roots — but is also at the forefront of modern policing strategies.
• A Diverse Beat: Officers cover bustling commercial hubs, historic districts, and over 200 acres of parks and conservation land — not just city streets.
• True Community Policing: From Citizens Police Academy to Youth Public Safety Academy, Arlington invests in proactive programs that build trust and lasting relationships.
• Accredited & Accountable: As a fully accredited agency, Arlington PD sets and maintains standards that rival larger agencies while giving officers the support to thrive.

Bring your training, join a progressive team, and shape the future of community policing. Apply today!

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Eligibility Overview: 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 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.

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 Requirement: Must reside within 15 miles of Arlington, MA no later than one year after employment begins.
• Education Requirement: Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
• Fitness Requirement: Must pass the department-held fitness test.
• Preferred Eligibility: 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

Your Road to the Badge

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.

• 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.