Police Officer

Serve with purpose. Protect with pride.
The Hanover Police Department is seeking dedicated, community-minded professionals to serve one of New England’s most vibrant and engaged communities. Whether you are beginning your law enforcement career or are an experienced certified officer, Hanover offers a rewarding opportunity to serve with integrity, professionalism, and strong community support—while enjoying competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and long-term career growth.

Position Overview

The Hanover Police Department is accepting applications for both Entry Level (Non-Certified) Police Officers and Full-Time Certified Police Officers. Officers serve a dynamic college-town community and are supported by a department that values accountability, inclusion, and community-oriented policing.

Compensation, Incentives & Hiring Bonuses

Certified Police Officers

• Structured hiring bonus (UPDATED):
  • $30,000 for NH full-time certified officers
• Starting salary within the listed range, commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Regular opportunities for pay increases beyond entry salary

Entry Level (Non-Certified) Police Officers

• $5,000 structured hiring bonus
• Salary increases upon:
  • Successful completion of the NH Police Academy
  • Six (6) months of successful employment
• Annual pay increases thereafter, in addition to the entry-level salary range

Education & Fitness Incentives (All Officers)

• Education Incentives (added to base salary):
  • Associate’s Degree: 2%
  • Bachelor’s Degree: 4%
  • Master’s Degree: 6%
• Physical Fitness Incentives (Cooper Standards – 50th Percentile):
  • 2% added to base salary in the first year
  • 1% added for each subsequent year requirements are met
  • Up to 8% total fitness incentive

Benefits

The Town of Hanover offers an outstanding and highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Choice of three excellent health insurance plans
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Town-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Town-paid life insurance
• New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS)
• Dental plan
• Supplemental insurance and retirement savings options
• And much more
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About Hanover, NH

Hanover is a historic and dynamic small college community in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, located along the Connecticut River and minutes from Vermont—just 2.5 hours from Boston. Home to Dartmouth College, a vibrant downtown, and the Appalachian Trail, Hanover offers exceptional quality of life with year-round outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and strong community engagement.

The Town proudly supports the mission of its professional, capable, and community-focused police department.