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Small Town Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Town of Elkton

Police Officer

Elkton, MD

$28.88 - $35.15/hr

Join Our Exceptional Small-Town Police Force! Are you ready to make a difference in a community that feels like family? Our Town is looking for dedicated and dynamic individuals to join our Police ...

City of Edgewater

Police Officer

Edgewater, CO

$71K - $103K/yr

Edgewater offers a unique small-town atmosphere within minutes of the downtown Denver area. Edgewater Police Department offers: * FPPA Pension Retirement Program * Medical, dental, vision individual ...

City of Edgewater Colorado

Police Officer

Edgewater, CO · On-site

$71K - $103K/yr

Edgewater offers a unique small-town atmosphere within minutes of the downtown Denver area. Edgewater Police Department offers: * FPPA Pension Retirement Program * Medical, dental, vision individual ...

City of Parkston

Police Officer

Parkston, SD

$24 - $31/hr

As a Police Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our ... With a population of over 1,600 residents, Parkston offers a small-town atmosphere with big-city ...

City of Parkston

Police Officer

Sioux Falls, SD

$24 - $31/hr

As a Police Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our ... With a population of over 1,600 residents, Parkston offers a small-town atmosphere with big-city ...

City of Parkston

Police Officer

Mitchell, SD

$24 - $31/hr

As a Police Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our ... With a population of over 1,600 residents, Parkston offers a small-town atmosphere with big-city ...

Town of Winter Park

Police Officer

Winter Park, CO

$50K/yr

Nestled on the western slope of the Continental Divide, Winter Park offers small-town living with ... We cover police academy costs and provide training as you pursue your interests. Serve with ...

Town of Winter Park

Police Officer

Winter Park, CO · On-site

Nestled on the western slope of the Continental Divide, Winter Park offers small-town living with ... We cover police academy costs and provide training as you pursue your interests. Serve with ...

Town of Winter Park

Police Officer

Winter Park, CO · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Nestled on the western slope of the Continental Divide, Winter Park offers small-town living with ... We cover police academy costs and provide training as you pursue your interests. Serve with ...

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Small Town Police information

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$33.5K

$55.1K

$72K

How much do small town police jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for small town police in the United States is $55,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Small Town Police position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Small Town Police officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, state certification, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with many agencies preferring some college coursework in criminal justice. Familiarity with police radio systems, report-writing software, and evidence management tools is often required. Strong interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and community engagement skills help set outstanding officers apart. These skills ensure effective crime prevention, positive community relationships, and efficient response to diverse incidents in close-knit environments.

What is a Small Town Police job?

A Small Town Police job involves enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and assisting the community in a smaller, close-knit environment. Officers often handle a variety of tasks, from patrolling neighborhoods to responding to emergencies and building relationships with residents. They may also perform administrative duties, investigate crimes, and provide educational outreach. Due to limited resources, small-town officers often take on multiple roles, requiring versatility and strong problem-solving skills. The job emphasizes community engagement and trust-building to ensure public safety.

What are the unique challenges and rewards of working as a police officer in a small town?

Working as a small town police officer often means handling a wide range of responsibilities, from traffic enforcement to community outreach and emergency response, sometimes all within the same shift. You may be more visible to the community and build strong relationships with residents, which can be both rewarding and demanding as you often serve as a familiar face and trusted resource. The work environment tends to be close-knit, with smaller teams and more direct collaboration with other local agencies and emergency responders. Common challenges can include limited resources and occasional need to cover multiple roles, but many officers find the variety and community impact especially fulfilling. This position offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference and gain broad experience within the law enforcement field.

More about Small Town Police jobs
What cities are hiring for Small Town Police jobs? Cities with the most Small Town Police job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Small Town Police jobs? The most popular types of Small Town Police jobs are:
What states have the most Small Town Police jobs? States with the most job openings for Small Town Police jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Small Town Police jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Small Town Police jobs are:
Small Town Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Town Police job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,123 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Police Officer

The Town of Elkton

Elkton, MD

$28.88 - $35.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Join Our Exceptional Small-Town Police Force!
Are you ready to make a difference in a community that feels like family? Our Town is looking for dedicated and dynamic individuals to join our Police Department. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to protect and serve in a place where neighbors know each other, and community spirit thrives.
Why Work with Us?
  • Community Connection: Our town is known for its tight-knit residents and supportive atmosphere. You won’t just be enforcing laws; you’ll be building relationships.
  • A Town to Love: From picturesque parks to annual festivals, our town is full of charm. You’ll feel right at home while enjoying everything our vibrant, friendly community has to offer.
  • Exciting Challenges: No two days are the same! Whether you’re solving crimes, assisting neighbors, or mentoring youth, your work will have a meaningful impact.
  • Growth Opportunities: We are committed to your professional development, offering state-of-the-art training and career advancement options.
What We’re Looking For:
We seek motivated individuals with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of duty. Experience in law enforcement is a plus, but we welcome applicants ready to grow into the role with enthusiasm. No residency requirement!
Perks amp; Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and excellent benefits
  • Advanced training opportunities
  • Supportive team environment
  • Work-life balance in a peaceful, fun-filled town
Be a hero where it truly matters. Make our town your home and help keep it safe and welcoming for everyone.
JOB SUMMARY:
A Patrol Officer is a full-time uniformed member of the police department whose primary function is to protect life and property, to preserve the public peace, to enforce local, state, and federal laws, to apprehend law violators, to prevent crime, to meet community needs, and to serve as assistant squad leader as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Patrols an assigned area in vehicle, and/or on foot; maintains visible presence to assist in crime prevention; performs beat patrol, concentrating on high incident areas in order to detect possible criminal activities or need for service; checks businesses and residential areas; monitors broadcasts by dispatchers and other officers to ensure awareness of activities in the area and to provide assistance as required; identifies, reports, and responds to suspicious conditions or persons.
  • Provides general police and public service -- missing persons, injured persons, lockouts, abandoned vehicles, dog bites, civil disputes, vehicle inspections, etc.; responds to scenes through radio runs, notification, or observation; evaluates the situation to determine needs (assistance from others or other agencies, ambulance, etc.); identifies and implements appropriate course of action.
  • Receives emergency and non-emergency radio calls and information from dispatch personnel; acknowledges dispatched calls and notes relevant information; responds to calls, using siren and/or emergency lights; advises status of initial response; indicates back in service upon completion of activities.
  • Investigates crimes and apprehends suspects; responds to scenes of possible criminal activity through radio calls, notification, or observation; assess the scene to determine situation needs (other officers, ambulance, detectives, K-9, etc.); provides assistance to victims; searches and secures the crime scene; collects and preserves evidence; interviews complainants and witnesses; notifies dispatch personnel of descriptions for broadcast; pursues suspects on foot and in vehicles and/or apprehends suspects; interrogates suspects, advising of rights; seizes contraband and stolen property; makes arrests using appropriate force; conducts searches of arrested suspects; transports/ensures transportation of suspects/evidence to an appropriate processing/detention area; advises victims of prosecution procedures/victims' assistance programs; processes or assists in processing suspects.
  • Handles domestic and neighborhood disputes; evaluates scene to determine needs; may administer first aid; assists in resolution of conflicts; subdues violent suspects using necessary physical force; makes arrests to preserve the peace; conducts searches of arrested persons; provides referral as appropriate.
  • Observes traffic violations; stops vehicles; checks registration and licenses for status; advises the driver of violations committed and the need to maintain safe driving practices; conducts field sobriety tests; issues citations/warnings/equipment repair orders and/or makes arrests to enforce the law, advising the violator of rights; conducts searches of arrestee; ensures proper transportation of arrested subjects and processing of vehicles; conducts selective enforcement measures.
  • Handles accidents, fires, and disasters; assesses the scene to determine situation needs; secures the scene to protect victims and property and prevent further incidents; gives first aid and calls for medical assistance; conducts investigation, gathering evidence, taking statements, and preparing diagrams; issues citations and makes arrests as appropriate; conducts searches of arrestee; ensures proper transport of arrestee; processes vehicles and clears the scene.
  • Serves search and arrest warrants and criminal summonses issued by the court, securing the location and maintaining officer safety.
  • Establishes traffic control and police protection at incidents which may attract crowds such as parades, carnivals, and civil disturbances.
  • Meets and talks with citizens, providing information and advising of safety measures; visits local businesses to determine needs for service; assists motorists; talks with juveniles; makes presentations to neighborhood and other types of organizations; identifies crime trends; works with the community to resolve disorder and crime problems.
  • Prepares reports (incident reports, probable cause affidavits, accident reports, property reports, etc.) related to police activities; observes and records events; checks reports for accuracy.
  • Testifies in court; prepares for testimony, reviewing reports and notes; meets with victims, witnesses, detectives, attorneys, etc., to review cases; obtains appropriate evidence for prosecution in court.
  • Prepares for daily duties; attends roll call and other briefings; reviews crime information and information from other personnel/shifts; receives work direction from supervisors.
  • Maintains liaison with detectives, other patrol officers, other department personnel to share information and coordinate work activities.
  • Maintains uniform, equipment, weapons, and vehicle as required; maintains supply of needed forms and reports.
  • Attends training sessions (in-service, outside) to obtain information on new procedures and maintain compliance with department standards and MPTC requirements.
  • Trains newly assigned or recruit officers in aspects of their job assignments by explaining or demonstrating work activities, by keeping them current on new laws, procedures, and/or directives, and/or by reviewing and correcting job performance.
  • Advises and instructs less experienced personnel concerning department policies and procedures, relevant laws and regulations, ethical conduct, etc., in order to ensure that assignments are carried out properly.
  • Assumes the day-to-day duties and responsibilities of a patrol supervisor as required.
  • Coordinates with the Patrol Sergeant to ensure the efficient, effective, disciplined and productive operation of a patrol squad.
  • Performs additional duties as required by the Chief of Police.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of department practices and procedures;
  • Skill in carrying out orders with precision and speed;
  • Ability to make decisions quickly and accurately;
  • Ability to learn and apply public safety regulations and procedures;
  • Ability to deal with the public in a courteous, informative and tactful manner.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High school graduate or G.E.D. recipient;
  • Possess a valid driver's license;
  • Excellent physical condition and good moral character;
  • Meet all other requirements of the Maryland Police Training Commission.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years old at the time of graduating from the academy.
New Hire Compensation Range:
$60,071.79/annually to $73,121.48/annually (Depending on experience and prior Certification)
Beginning July 1, 2026
$63,075.38 annually to $76,777.72 annually (Depending on experience and prior Certification)
Other Compensation:
  • Overtime
  • Differentials
  • Premium Pay
  • Bonuses and Awards
Excellent benefits package available for full time employees:
Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, EAP amp; Supplemental Plans)
Employer covered LTD, Life Insurance amp; AD amp;D
Accrued vacation amp; sick hours, personal hours, and 12 paid holidays.
FOP Pension (Employee amp; Employer Contribution)
457 amp; Roth 457 (Employee contribution)

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