Police Officer Lateral Transfer

The South Hadley Massachusetts Police Department is accepting applications for a Massachusetts POST Certified Police Officers or out of state Police Officers who meet the criteria for Massachusetts POST Certification. 

South Hadley Police is seeking individuals who are committed to working in partnership with the community, to maintain social order and improve the quality of life within the Town of South Hadley.    We are dedicated to the ethical principles of justice, integrity, respect, courage and allegiance. Our goal is to understand and serve the needs of the South Hadley community by providing the highest quality of police services, assisting in resolving problems, and promoting positive values through equitable and impartial policing consistent with and reflective of the shared values of the community.

We are looking for POST certified applicants who are motivated, team oriented, and self-disciplined.   All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements: 

U.S. citizen; at least 21 years of age; High School graduate (college degree in criminal justice, related field, or military experience preferred); and possess a valid driver’s license & LTC. Applicants must be able to maintain certification by the Massachusetts P.O.S.T. Commission. Candidates will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, medical examination, and psychological exam. 

The Town of South Hadley is a Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission accredited department that provides a competitive salary and benefits package.   Starting pay is negotiable with the candidate’s year of service in law enforcement.  Officers work a 4 and 2 schedule. Officers also receive the following contractual benefits: paid holidays, personal days, sick leave, educational incentive, shift differential, roll call pay, and longevity pay.  

Candidates can learn more about the department to include job description, hiring requirements, and current pay via the link below.   All interested candidates must then submit an application, resume, and cover letter via the link as well:  Application Link

Applicants having any questions should contact Lt. Mark Baran at EMAIL.  

Community and Department Profile

Department Information
 Chief of Police: Jennifer Gundersen  
 Number of Full Time Employees: 35
 Sworn Full Officers: 29 (Chief of Police, 2 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants, 3 Detectives and 17 Patrol Officers)
www.southhadleypolice.org
https://www.facebook.com/SouthHadleyMassPoliceDepartment
https://www.instagram.com/southhadleypolicedepartmentma

Form of Government
 Town Administrator, Lisa Wong
 Town Select Board
 Town Meeting
www.southhadley.org

Town of South Hadley Information
 Population: 18,100
 Area: 18.3 Square Miles
 Host Community to Mt. Holyoke College
See the South Hadley Police organizational chart here
See the South Hadley Police 2023-2025 Labor Agreement Addendum/MOA here
See the South Hadley Police Union Labor agreement, 2019-2022 here
See the position description for South Hadley Police Officer here

Conditions, minimum qualifications, and requisite skills for employment as a South Hadley Police Officer

  • Must be a citizen of the United States
  • Must possess the physical ability to perform duties required of a police officer
  • Must be 21 by time of appointment and have full time police academy training
  • Must possess strong oral and written communication skills
  • Must be high school graduate or equivalent
  • Successful completion of two (2) oral board interviews and an interview with Chief of Police
  • Successful completion of a background investigation process, including criminal, personal, financial inquiries to determine suitability of the candidate
  • Successful completion of a medical examination
  • Successful completion of physical abilities test and Coopers Aerobics Test 
  • Recommendation upon completion of a psychological evaluation
  • Be a non-smoker
  • Have the ability to read and write English
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be certifiable under the Massachusetts POST commission standards
  • Have an impeccable character background; and
  • Be willing and able to meet the duties and obligations of a South Hadley Police Officer
  • Note: Any prior conviction for a felony or untruthfulness in this background investigation process are automatic disqualifiers for employment
  • Candidates that have a college degree(s), military experience, reside in South Hadley or combination are highly desirable;

FAQ’s Getting Hired, Salary Info

Is there a written test?
 No. At this time there is no written test to apply to be a South Hadley Police Officer

Are there any age restrictions for new officers?     
 Candidates must be at least twenty-one (21) at date of hire.

Are there any physical disqualifiers for new officers?
 Candidates must pass the medical examination before participating in the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).  Candidates then must pass the state-mandated PAT test. 

Do I need to be a South Hadley resident?
  No. In accordance with Chapter 41, Section 99A, candidates must establish residency within fifteen (15) miles of the limits of the South Hadley within one (1) year from the date of appointment.   However, most of our police officers either lived or were raised in South Hadley, so we do give preference to candidates that have roots in the South Hadley community.  

Is there an educational requirement?
  Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED.  While college credits are not required, they are preferred.  

Do you accept lateral transfers from other agencies?
 Yes, we do.   Candidates who are trained and are working or who have worked full-time for another police agency should apply.  The hiring process is similar, but the interview is modified and the PAT may not be required.  Also, the length of the Field Training program may be shortened based on demonstrated knowledge and abilities.

How do I apply?
Complete the online application and upload your resume and cover letter HERE.

How long does the hiring process take?
 This depends on the next Academy dates.   Generally, it takes 3 months from application to the start of the Academy.  

Benefits, Salary, Retirement

What is the salary range for new officers?  The current salary range for contract range 2022-2025.  To increase annual there are extensive opportunities for overtime and police details.  

FY23-FY25 Police Salary





www.southhadleypolice.org

The Town of South Hadley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  The Town of South Hadley (Town) is committed to promoting nondiscrimination, diversity, and equal opportunity, and, if necessary, affirmative action in all of its policies regarding employment and provision of services. The employment policies and practices of the Town are to recruit, hire and promote employees on the basis of qualifications, and ability, without discrimination because of membership in a protected class, and to treat them equally with respect to compensation and opportunities for advancement, including but not limited to job assignment, supervision, training, upgrading, promotion, transfer, layoff, recall from layoff, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment.  In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals, no employee or applicant shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, disability, veteran's status (including Vietnam-era veterans), genetic information or other legally protected status. This policy of nondiscrimination applies to all employment practices and procedures and all other aspects of the employment relationship.