South Hadley, MA - Jobs - Police Department

Police Officer - Lateral Transfer

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:11:34 -0500

UPDATED March 31, 2026

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.

Applications accepted in an ongoing basis. Contact Lt. Mark Baran for any recruitment updates

The South Hadley Police Department is seeking to hire a qualified candidate for a vacant police officer position. The South Hadley Police Department is an accredited, non-civil service agency that has a long and proud history of serving the community. Our goal is to serve the needs of the 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.

The South Hadley Police Department is staffed by (29) sworn officers and (7) civilian staff. (Chief, 2 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants, 3 Detectives, 2 SRO’s, 15 Patrol Officers, 6 dispatchers and 1 administrative assistant). Some of our specialty assignments include: detective, SRO, CIT, DART, TRIAD, FTO, Drone Unit, CT River Task Force, bicycle patrol, comfort K9 program (new), and many others. Patrol Officers work a 4 x 2 schedule.

The Town of South Hadley is centrally located in the scenic Pioneer Valley along the eastern bank of the CT River. We are located 14 miles north of Springfield and 90 miles west of Boston. South Hadley covers 18.3 square miles and has a population of just over 18,000 residents. South Hadley is also the home of Mt Holyoke College.

Our hiring process

Complete the town application with a resume and cover letter
Oral interview(s)
Complete a comprehensive background investigation, medical examination, and psychological exam
Cooper Aerobics Test

We are only considering certified applicants at this time. Our ideal candidate must meet the following conditions

U.S. citizen; at least 21 years of age; High School graduate (college degree in criminal justice, related field, or military experience preferred), possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a MA LTC. Candidates must be Massachusetts P.O.S.T. Commission certified. Out-of-state candidates must be eligible for a waiver from the MPTC for having attended a certified police academy and meet the qualifications outlined in 555 CMR 3.03(a).

Our ideal candidate must possess strong oral and written communication skills. Our next team member(s) should be thoughtful, self-motivated, disciplined, and service-oriented. Lastly, candidates must be willing and able to meet the duties and obligations of a South Hadley Police Officer.

Note: Any felony conviction or untruthfulness during any portion of the hiring process will be considered automatic disqualifiers for employment

Salary & Benefits (rates below are FY25 rates; current negotations on the expired contract)

Our base salary range for lateral officers: Step 2 is $62,322 ($31.96 p/ hour)
Our top salary range for a lateral officer: Step 3/Yr 5 is $ $66,495 ($34.10 p/ hour)
Additional pay: Holiday +/- $3,000, Shift Differential ($2,000 evenings & $3,000 overnight), Roll Call +/- $2,000) & Fitness (up to $750) & longevity.
Additional Education incentive pay: Associates - $6,000, Bachelors - $11,000, and Masters - $12,000
Detail rate is $58 per hour for outside vendors and $52 per hour for town departments

The town of South Hadley provides insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield (various options), optional dental, vision, and life insurance plans, deferred comp, paid training, ability to earn comp time (up to 160 hours), vacation (10–30 days), sick (1 day a month), and (3) personal days

The current CBA expired on June 30, 2025 and is currently in negotiations.

www.southhadleypolice.org
https://www.facebook.com/SouthHadleyMassPoliceDepartment
https://www.instagram.com/southhadleypolicedepartmentma

Application Deadline is Ongoing. Complete the online application here and upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions regarding this recruitment process can be sent to Lieutenant Mark Baran via email.

The Town of South Hadley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 South Hadley Police Union Labor agreement, 2023-2025 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 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

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.

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

How long does the hiring process take?
From application posting to hire is generally 6 weeks.

Benefits, Salary, Retirement

Compensative Benefits package and Hampshire County Retirement program

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.

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.

Substitute Part-Time and Per Diem Dispatchers

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:55:30 -0500

The Town of South Hadley is seeking dedicated and detail-oriented individuals to join the South Hadley Police Department’s team as substitute and per diem, part-time public safety 911 Dispatchers. Substitutes will work as coverage is needed, and in the absence of the regularly scheduled Dispatchers. Work opportunities may be offered for day, evening, and overnight shifts and may include both planned assignments, or shifts on a short notice basis. Please note: These are temporary positions, to be eliminated on or prior to the date Town of South Hadley joins a regional PSAP currently anticipated at the end of September 2026.

This crucial role involves answering and documenting all incoming calls, dispatching appropriate units, handling emergency medical dispatch, and managing various communications. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to work effectively under pressure, maintain confidentiality, and ensure public safety through prompt and accurate response to emergency and non-emergency situations.

The South Hadley Police Department consists of twenty-nine (29) full-time officers, 5 fulltime dispatchers and civilian clerical staff. The department utilizes the latest E911 technologies, TriTech IMC CAD systems, Dell mobile data terminals, PowerPhone EMD and Kenwood radio communications systems.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Receiving, prioritizing, and documenting calls for police, fire, and medical services via 911, business lines, radio, and in-person requests.
Dispatching emergency and non-emergency units/services based on situational needs.
Disseminating information to department personnel and coordinating responses to incidents, including crimes in progress, medical emergencies, and other urgent matters.
Managing information flow to and from various law enforcement and emergency response agencies, ensuring accurate and timely communication.
Maintaining records and utilizing systems such as LEAPS/CJIS/NCIC for data entry and retrieval.
Operating camera systems to monitor police facilities and assist with the security of premises.
Utilizing language interpretation services for non-English speaking callers.
Staying current with departmental guidelines, policies, and required training programs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

The following requirements may be substituted by and equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job:

High School diploma or equivalent required and 1 year of relevant work experience
Candidates must be current in Massachusetts E911 Certification and Training.
Proficiency with computers, electronic data processing, and modern office practices.
Ability to handle high-stress emergency situations calmly and effectively, strong decision-making skills in emergency and crisis scenarios, and effective communication skills with the ability to give clear directions and elicit critical information.
Exceptional multitasking abilities and attention to detail.
High level of confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.
Ability to work various shifts including weekends and/or holidays and beyond or outside of normal shift hours as needed to maintain critical public safety services.
Preferences: Prior municipal emergency dispatching experience; LEAPS, CPR; Familiarity with criminal offender information dissemination and public records laws; Bilingual in Spanish/English; immediate availability and flexibility.

Schedule/Substitute Status:

Position is non-benefited, paying $25.23/hour (Grade 4, Step 2). This is a substitute (as needed), variable hour position, and opportunities to work and schedule will be based on operational need. There is no minimum guaranteed hours, however it is currently anticipated that employees may work 8 hours per week or more if desired.

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Lt. David Gagne (gagned@southhadley.police.org).

Visit www.southhadley.org/Jobs to complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis; positions will remain open until filled.