2026 Police Officer (October)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Statewide, MA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

This examination is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to establish eligible lists from which to fill Police Officer vacancies in Civil Service Municipal Police Departments and the MBTA Transit Police in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The written examination period is from October 2, 2026, through October 10, 2026. The application period begins on June 22, 2026, and the deadline is August 31, 2026. The examination processing fee is $75. Police Officers work under supervision to perform law enforcement duties, protecting life, property, and the civil rights of individuals. Primary duties include patrol; interacting with citizens to provide service and render assistance; and preparing and completing records, reports, and other paperwork documenting incidents for use in prosecution. Police Officers are dispatched to crime and emergency scenes in response to reported violations, accidents, domestic disputes and abuses, and other incidents; carry out crime scene duties; make arrests and perform searches and seizures; conduct investigations; and interview witnesses, suspects, and complainants.

Requirements

• Must be 19 years of age on or before October 2, 2026, to take the exam.
• Must be at least 21 years of age by the date of appointment as a Municipal or Transit Police Officer.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or three years of experience in the armed forces of the United States with last release or discharge under honorable conditions, as of the date of appointment.
• Must submit an exam processing fee of $75 by the application deadline.
• Must present current and valid photo identification with signature (e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID) at the examination site.
• Candidates hired are prohibited from smoking tobacco products at the time of and after appointment.
• Must pass the written examination.
• Must pass the medical examination.
• Must pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT).
• May be required to pass a psychological evaluation before appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with multiple accounts may cause delays with properly recording your application and notifications from civil service.
• For statutory purposes the first day of testing, October 2, 2026, is the original exam date.
• The exam period may be extended depending on the number of candidates.
• There is no late fee for applications.
• Applications will not be accepted after August 31, 2026.
• There will be no refund of the examination processing fee unless the examination is cancelled by HRD.
• Candidates can submit a claim for residency preference.
• Candidates can submit a claim for veteran status.
• Candidates can submit a claim for disabled veteran status.
• Children of Police Officers/Firefighters may be entitled to certification preference.
• Selective certification may be requested for bilingual or specific gender police officers.
• Candidates will have the opportunity to select employment locations beyond residency preference.
• Candidates are responsible for maintaining accurate contact information.
• Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Patrol
• Interacting with citizens to provide service and render assistance
• Preparing and completing records, reports, and other paperwork documenting incidents for use in prosecution
• Responding to crime and emergency scenes
• Carrying out crime scene duties
• Making arrests and performing searches and seizures
• Conducting investigations
• Interviewing witnesses, suspects, and complainants

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED