Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $28.28-$39.58
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 Englands 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 supportwhile 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
- Structured hiring bonus (UPDATED):
- $15,000 for NH full-time certified officers
- $10,000 for out-of-state full-time certified officers
- 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
- $2,500 structured hiring bonus
- 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):
- Associates Degree: 2%
- Bachelors Degree: 4%
- Masters 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 Vermontjust 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.