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.
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
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.

Employment type
Full-Time 40 HR- (Police)

Work arrangement
No