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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of East Hartford, CT

Police Officer

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$67K - $81K/yr

We are accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA Motivation, enthusiasm, and commitment to the community are mandatory. An application and additional ...

City of Auburn

Entry Level Police Officer

Auburn, WA

$108K - $129K/yr

The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a continuously growing community ...

City of Auburn, WA

Entry Level Police Officer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$108K - $129K/yr

The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a continuously growing community ...

City of Gresham, OR

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$81K - $103K/yr

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety ...

City of Gresham

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR

$81K - $103K/yr

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level police officers?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What Does an Entry-Level Police Officer Do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs? The most popular types of Police Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Police Officer jobs include:
Entry Level Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Police Officer

Police Officer

Town of East Hartford, CT

East Hartford, CT • On-site

$67K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary : $67,696.00 - $81,933.00 Annually
Location : Town of East Hartford, CT
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00288
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/07/2025
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
POSITION DEFINITION
We are ONLY accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA
The East Hartford Police Department is on the lookout for a driven individual with strong problem-solving and communication skills, who values teamwork and is eager to engage in a close-knit community where community policing is paramount. East Hartford boasts a diverse population of approximately 50,000 within an urban/suburban setting. The Police Department is integral in maintaining the town as an excellent place to live, work, and nurture a family.
We are accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA
Motivation, enthusiasm, and commitment to the community are mandatory.
An application and additional information are available online at: http://PoliceApp.com/Easthartfordct
In the Town of East Hartford, we don't merely accept diversity - we celebrate, support, and flourish because of it for the betterment of our employees, residents, and community partners. The Town of East Hartford takes pride in being an equal opportunity employer.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Patrols an assigned area on foot or in a cruiser.
  • Continuously checks windows and doors of business establishments and of assigned private homes, investigates any suspicious conditions.
  • Maintains continuous enforcement of motor vehicle laws, criminal statutes and local ordinances.
  • Provides public services such as information, traffic control, emergency assists and rescues, found property, missing persons, and investigations.
  • Provides documentation of police services and investigations through written reports.
  • Obtains and executes arrest and search warrants.
  • Provides testimony before special hearings and courts.
  • Reports unsafe and hazardous conditions observed while on patrol.
  • May be assigned to assist at the complaint desk and dispatch at Police Headquarters.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Good written and oral communicative skills.
  • Mathematical ability sufficient to compile accurate statistical reports.
  • Exceptional ability to deal effectively and courteously with people.
  • Can act quickly and calmly in emergencies, remember details and have keen powers of observation.
  • Ability to analyze and solve problems.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSING
  • Possession of a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • To qualify you must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be a non-smoker. Applicants must pass the CPCA written examination with a minimum score of 70%, must possess a current C.H.I.P. card and have a valid driver's license.

We are accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA

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