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Police Jobs in Butler, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Police information

See Butler, PA salary details

$21.6K

$54.7K

$75.7K

How much do police jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for police in Butler, PA is $54,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $58,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative procedures, and physical fitness, typically acquired through police academy training and, in many cases, a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body cameras, and radio communication systems is essential for effective fieldwork. Excellent judgment, strong communication, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling high-stress situations and interacting with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for upholding public safety, enforcing laws fairly, and building community trust.

What are some of the typical challenges police officers face during their daily shifts?

Police officers frequently encounter unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as responding to emergency calls, handling disputes, or managing high-stress incidents. Balancing community engagement with enforcing laws can also be challenging, as officers must build trust while maintaining authority. Additionally, officers often work in shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, which can impact work-life balance. Despite these challenges, strong teamwork, ongoing training, and support from colleagues help officers navigate the complexities of the role.

What police position pays the most?

The highest-paying police positions are typically police chiefs or commissioners, who oversee entire departments and have extensive experience and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require advanced education, such as a master's degree, and many years of law enforcement experience. Salaries can vary widely depending on the size of the department and location but generally exceed $100,000 annually.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

In law enforcement, holding up four fingers can symbolize the acknowledgment of four officers lost in the line of duty or represent a specific unit or rank depending on the department's traditions. It is often used as a sign of respect, remembrance, or solidarity among officers. The meaning can vary based on context and department culture.

How hard is it to get hired as a cop?

Getting hired as a police officer typically involves meeting minimum requirements such as age, education, and background checks, passing physical and written exams, and completing police academy training. The hiring process can be competitive and may take several months due to multiple interview stages and background investigations.

What is the difference between Police vs Security Guard?

AspectPoliceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, police academy certification, sometimes college degreeSecurity guard training, certification varies by state, sometimes no formal education required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public spaces, crime scenes, emergency situationsPrivate properties, malls, events, corporate buildings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law enforcementPrivate security companies, businesses

Police officers and security guards both focus on safety and security, but police have law enforcement authority, undergo extensive training, and handle criminal investigations. Security guards primarily monitor property, prevent theft, and provide access control. The roles differ mainly in authority, training, and work environment.

What Do Police Officers Do?

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and meeting citation quotas in their jurisdiction. As a police officer, you patrol the community, investigate crime, make arrests, and issue citations for parking, traffic, and other minor violations. Your main duty is maintaining public order and protecting property. You may work independently or with a partner, and you complete your patrols in a car, on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback. You have training in weapons use in case of any situation in which you fear for your safety.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police departments often accept applicants up to their late 30s or early 40s, depending on the agency's age requirements and physical fitness standards. Age is less of a barrier if candidates meet the qualifications, pass background checks, and complete required training such as police academy. Many officers start their careers later in life and bring valuable experience to the role.

What are police officers?

Police officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, preventing crime, and protecting citizens and property. They respond to emergencies, investigate suspicious activities, and conduct patrols within their assigned areas. Police officers also work closely with communities to build trust and ensure safety, while upholding the law and safeguarding individual rights.
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Butler, PA? The most popular types of Police jobs in Butler, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Police jobs in Butler, PA? For Police jobs in Butler, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Butler, PA are hiring for Police jobs? Cities near Butler, PA with the most Police job openings:
Infographic showing various Police job openings in Butler, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,658 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Police Officer

$69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees as well as visitors at 22 campuses located throughout Pennsylvania. We are a cohesive and centralized department with sworn police officers who have full law enforcement authority serving the 22 campuses with our headquarters being located at University Park. We are searching for Act 120 Certified (*) Police Officers to join our team who hold the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.

All interested candidates must apply to this posting to be considered for an opportunity when a position becomes available at one of the Penn State campuses.Candidates advancing through the recruitment process will be provided an opportunity to select which campus location or locations they have interest in obtaining employment.

Police officers are responsible for carrying out the functions of protection of life and property, preservation of peace and good order of the community, enhancement of positive community engagement initiatives, enforcement of laws and University policies/procedures, public safety, investigative work, and other related duties. The successful candidate will be responsible for the prevention of illegal, unsafe, or undesirable activity and regulatory violations through patrol, education, inspection, and the deterrent effect of enforcement. Police officers will also be expected toenforce National, Federal, State, and local laws, as well as University regulations, through investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of violators.

Successful candidates will possess:

  • Skills necessary to enhance public respect for law enforcement and the University with courteous, devoted,andethical service
  • Capacityto work cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, students, and outside agencies
  • Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings
  • Outstanding customer service orientation; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent analytical, judgment, ethicaldecision-making,and organizational skills
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds
  • Respectforthe constitutional rights of all people to liberty,equality,and justice
  • Capability touphold an excellent standard of conduct at all times, abiding by laws, regulations and policies

The position of police officer minimally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and up to one year of relevant experience.(*) Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Certification is required for employment. Candidates must be currently Act120 certified; currently enrolled in aPennsylvania MPOETC Act 120police academy;orhave the ability toobtainPennsylvania MPOETC Act 120certificationduring the hiring process (this applies to out of state waiver and reinstatement applicants).

Knowledge on the use of information technology, software applications, surveillance equipment, social media, and communications (digital and conventional) in conducting investigations is highly desired.

This position requires:

  • Successful Background Investigation
  • Successful BPADscenario-basedevaluation
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Must be at least 21 years of age on or before start date
  • Fingerprint background check
  • Successful completion of all MPOETCrequirementsif not currentlycertified or eligible for certification
  • PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
  • Operation of a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties - a valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required
  • Successful completion of a credit history check

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Starting contractual base salary is $69,368. Annual rate changes and service time increases as applicable. The current contract expires June 30, 2028.

To find out more about us:

Campus Information

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Penn State University Police Officers Association (PSUPOA). More information can be found here:

Labor & Employee Relations Click on Union Agreements and select the applicable Agreement.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

SALARY & BENEFITS

For details on starting salary and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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