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Small Town Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer - Lateral

MD · On-site

$87K/yr

John Edward Smith XX-1234 1-25-1990 Small Town USA Police Department If you are no longer employed and are asking for a copy of your individual profile, you MUST provide this request in writing with ...

Police Corporal

Landis, NC · On-site

$65K/yr

The Town of Landis, N.C., seeks qualified applicants for the position of full-time Police Corporal ... small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines and motor ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$91K - $119K/yr

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully ... With a population of just over 11,000 and a thriving business environment, Fife offers a small-town ...

Police Officer

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

Fort Bragg is a small town nestled between the coast and the redwoods with a strong sense of ... Bragg Police Department Policies and Procedures. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Patrols ...

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully ... With a population of just over 11,000 and a thriving business environment, Fife offers a small-town ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully ... With a population of just over 11,000 and a thriving business environment, Fife offers a small-town ...

Police Officer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$69K/yr

Patrols a designated area of the town on foot, on a motorcycle, or in a radio cruiser to maintain ... small division; handles supplies of high value or moderate amounts of money consistent with the ...

Police Officer - Lateral

Los Altos, CA · On-site

$139K - $161K/yr

Police Officers play a dynamic role in law enforcement, combining crime prevention and public ... in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and ...

WI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

TCOLE Certified Police Officers Agency: Van Alstyne Police Department Location: Van Alstyne, TX ... small-town values and modern growth. Known for its highly acclaimed school district, welcoming ...

Lateral Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

Lateral Police Officer hires from another law enforcement agency either in-state or out-of-state ... With a population of just over 11,000 and a thriving business environment, Fife offers a small-town ...

Showing results 41-60

Small Town Police information

See salary details

$33.5K

$55.1K

$72K

How much do small town police jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 is a small town police?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a small town police officer?

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

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:

Infographic showing various Small Town Police job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,123 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

$87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Anne Arundel County rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

779th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Anne Arundel County, MD
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 08570
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/02/2026
Closing Date: 12/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
Anne Arundel County is currently accepting applications for sworn Police Officers who are currently or previously certified in the State of Maryland (MPCTC Certified).
Starting salary is determined by years of service and current salary. The maximum starting salary will be $87,523.
A $10,000 signing bonus will be awarded to successful candidates
  • $5,000 will be payable upon hire
  • $5,000 will be payable upon the successful completion of one (1) year of service as an Anne Arundel County Police Officer
Anne Arundel County has recently signed a bill that will allow newly hired Police Officers that transferred from another Maryland Certified Law Enforcement Agency to purchase up to five (5) years of prior service credit in the County Police plan.
Previous MPCTC-certified candidates must have been separated in good standing from a law enforcement unit within the last three (3) years from the date of hire to the Anne Arundel County Police Department (August 26, 2027). This is full-service local law enforcement work that involves the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and ordinances.
Nature and Variety of Work
This work involves responsibility for performing, under general supervision, duties in patrol, traffic, investigations, administration, and support services. Duties may include shift work, outdoor work, and exposure to dangerous conditions. Work requires an understanding of law enforcement work and departmental rules and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Graduation from high school
  • Successful completion of recruit and/or entry-level training and probationary period
  • Possession of a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license or equivalent license from another state
  • United States citizenship is required.
This is a Safety-Sensitive position. Employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
Supplemental Qualifications
IMPORTANT:
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit their Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions Skills Profile (MPCTC Skills Profile). Once you receive it, upload it in a Protected Document Format (PDF). You can also submit your Skills Profile to P93660@aacounty.org. We cannot proceed with your application until we receive your Skills Profile. Do not upload/attach any other documents, certificates, or resumes.
Instructions:
Send an email to MPCTCCertifications.dpscs@maryland.gov
In the Subject Line, write 'Skills Profile.'
In the body of your email, write your full name, the last four of your Social Security Number, your DOB, and your current or previous agency.
For example: John Edward Smith XX-1234 1-25-1990 Small Town USA Police Department
If you are no longer employed and are asking for a copy of your individual profile, you MUST provide this request in writing with a signature attached. The Memo should include the request for your profile, your full name (prior name if applicable), the last four of your SS#, date of birth, and the last agency you were employed by. Once this is written and signed, upload the Memo as a PDF and send it to
  1. All lateral applicants must have successfully completed Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) recruit training and the required field training objectives. Additionally, you must be off probation to apply.
  2. Current Certification as a Police Officer by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) is required. You are also eligible to apply if you were certified as a police officer within the last three (3) years from the date of hire to the Anne Arundel County Police Department (August 26, 2027), and you were separated in good standing. Applicants who were terminated, left previous agencies under investigation, or left in lieu of termination will not be considered.
  3. You must have worked for a full-service law enforcement agency in the State of Maryland.
  4. As part of our pre-employment background investigation, along with your Skills Profile, we will need a Letter of Good Standing if you are separated from police employment. The letter should confirm your employment status at the time of separation and verify that you left in good standing.
The letter must be on departmental letterhead and include:
  • Dates of employment
  • Position held
  • Whether the employee was separated in good standing
  • Eligibility for rehire

NOTE: A "Full Service Law Enforcement Agency" is any agency that meets the requirements listed in Public Safety Article Title 3 - Law Enforcement Subtitle 2 - Police Training and Standards Commission Annotated Code of Maryland. Title 3-201. (d)(1) "Law Enforcement Agency" means a governmental police force, sheriff's office, or law enforcement organization of the State, a county, or a municipal corporation that by statute, ordinance, or common law is authorized to enforce the general criminal laws of the State.
Current or past experience must contain the following job duties:
  • Enforcing state and local criminal laws
  • Enforcing traffic laws and writing traffic citations; investigating traffic accidents
  • Making physical arrests, to include writing the statement of charges for said arrests
  • Testifying in court for traffic citations and criminal arrests
  • Responding to basic calls for police service, like commercial and residential alarms, neighbor disputes, barking dogs, and loud music complaints
  • Responding to highly stressful and/or hostile situations in progress, like robberies, burglaries, thefts in progress, and domestic assaults
  • Investigating crimes like robberies, burglaries, thefts in progress, and domestic assaults; writing arrest warrants for said investigations
  • Pursuing and subduing prisoners
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on education and experience, a polygraph examination, a panel interview, and a background investigation. The polygraph focuses on domestic violence, criminal activity, previous employment, motor vehicle/criminal record, drug/alcohol usage, and integrity/unethical acts. Applicants must also undergo a psychological evaluation and pass a comprehensive medical examination as a condition of appointment. Reasons for disqualification may include but are not limited to poor work history, poor driving record, felony conviction, falsification of application or other documents, inability to competitively complete any of the parts of the selection process, or any other disqualifying causes determined by the Police Department and/or the Office of Personnel. The following information is provided so you have key dates to plan for during the recruitment and selection process.
Schedule of Critical Dates (must attend)
  • Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.: Deadline to submit application
  • Monday, February 1, 2027, through Friday, February 5, 2027: Oral Panel Interview
  • Thursday, August 26, 2027: Start Date
Flexible processing timelines will be established including hiring dates. Additional information regarding the position of Police Officer Lateral and all forms and documents can be found at:
  • Medical/Health Insurance Plans
    • BlueChoice Advantage EPO
    • BlueChoice Advantage PPO
  • Dental Insurance
    • CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
    • CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
    • CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)
  • Vision Insurance
    • EyeMed
  • Employee Life Insurance
    • Term insurance of up to 2 times salary ($100,000 maximum) for employees at no cost.
    • Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Disability Income Insurance
  • Pension Plan
    • Normal retirement after 20 years of service or Age 50 and 5 years of service
  • Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
  • Direct Deposit
  • Credit Union
  • Holidays
    • Sixteen days provided as additional annual leave
  • Annual Leave
    • Less than 5 years - 10 days
    • 5 years to less than 10 years - 15 days
    • 10 years to less than 20 years - 20 days
    • 20 years or more - 25 days
  • Disability Leave
    • Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
  • Personal Wellness Leave
    • Twenty-four (24) hours of personal wellness leave each calendar year
  • Employee Assistance Program
    • Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members four times per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Dependent Care Reimbursement
    • Health Care Reimbursement
  • Voluntary Benefits
    • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
    • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
    • United Legal Benefits

01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.This response and a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU MAY BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No

02
I understand that this position is "Safety Sensitive". This means employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
  • Yes

03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please enter the State, Number, and Class. Please be sure to also enter this information in the "Personal Information" section of your application. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please enter "N/A."
05
Did you graduate from High School or do you have a GED?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please enter the School Name, Start Date, and End Date. Please be sure this information is also listed in the "Education" section of your application. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please enter "N/A."
07
Are you a U.S. Citizen?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Salary may be higher than base depending on applicant's years of experience and/or current salary. The maximum starting salary for Lateral entry officers is $87,523. Please check "Yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes

09
Have you successfully completed MPCTC recruit training and MPCTC required field training objectives?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Do you have current Certification as a Police Officer by MPCTC or if it has been three (3) years or less from the date of hire to the Anne Arundel County Police Department (August 26, 2027) since last certification and you separated with good standing from your previous law enforcement unit are you eligible for recertification as a police officer by MPCTC and have worked for a full service law enforcement agency in Maryland?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Are you prohibited under State or Federal Law from possessing a firearm?
  • Yes
  • No

12
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please explain why you are prohibited from possessing a firearm. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please enter "N/A."
13
I understand "drugs" will be interpreted as illicit or controlled substances, or the unauthorized use or abuse of legal drugs. The sale of drugs includes the unauthorized sale of drugs or distribution to another person, with or without profit to you, delivery of drugs to another person, transporting drugs to be sold, trading drugs for anything of value, manufacturing drugs, growing drugs (plants), or being involved in any drug related transactions.
  • Yes

14
Have you been involved in any sale(s) of, or involvement with sale(s) of legal or illegal drugs?
  • Yes
  • No

15
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please explain your involvement in any sale(s) of, or involvement with sale(s) of legal or illegal drugs. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please enter "N/A."
16
I understand drug use will be defined as the current or past use of illegal or controlled substances (e.g., marijuana), or the unauthorized use of legal drugs (e.g., abusing Percocet without prescription). Also, drug use shall include the use of drugs gained by misrepresentation of symptoms to a physician.
  • Yes

17
Do you now or have you ever used illegal or controlled substances, or the unauthorized use of legal drugs?
  • Yes
  • No

18
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the name of the drug, number of times used, amoun

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