It’s no secret that police officers are some of the most highly sought after public service professionals in Massachusetts.
There are many factors that contribute to this, but one of the most important is the desire for career advancement opportunities.
It’s not enough for law enforcement agencies to offer high salaries and benefits – they need to have a good reputation too!
In this article, we will explore ten of the best sheriff’s office and police department agencies in Massachusetts.
About Police Jobs in MA
Massachusetts is a beautiful state with many distinct communities, but the biggest city in Massachusetts is Boston.
Boston makes up more than half of the population and has a huge economy within its borders.
Because it’s such an important economic center, there are plenty of jobs available including some police officer positions!
Law enforcement jobs are competitive, but there is always a demand for qualified applicants.
They are the best jobs in Massachusetts because it has some great benefits and good salary opportunities!
10 Best Sheriff, Police Departments in MA
Before we begin, we would like to remind our readers that this is not a ranking.
Every agency on this list is excellent in its own right!
Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office
The first sheriff’s office on our list is the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in Boston.
This agency has a long history and has been in operation since 1660.
It is one of the oldest sheriff’s departments in the United States!
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office covers an area with a population of more than 700,000 people.
This gives it a huge budget and plenty of funding opportunities for police officers to advance their career to higher ranks.
They also offer support to many agencies, like the Boston Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is an excellent place to work for police officers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career!
2. Boston Police Department
The Boston Police Department is one of the most well-known law enforcement agencies in the United States.
This department has a long and storied history, dating back to 1822 when it was founded as a night watchman service.
Since then, it has become one of the premiere law enforcement agencies in the country and has contributed to the development of many other police departments.
For example, Boston Police Department was one of the first detective agencies in American history!
This department is also known for its innovation and research into new crime prevention methods.
It’s a great place to work if you’re interested in being on the cutting edge of law enforcement.
The city of Boston is also a good place to live, especially if you’re interested in moving up the ranks with your police career!
Boston has a high quality of life and low cost of living compared to other major cities in Massachusetts.
3. Lowell Police Department
The Lowell Police Department is another excellent place to work as a police officer in Massachusetts.
This department has a rich history dating back to 1853, when it was first established as the Lowell Police Watch.
It is one of the five police departments in Massachusetts that has a law enforcement academy on site and allows applicants to enroll directly from high school.
Applicants will enjoy many benefits, including competitive salaries, excellent health care plans, an attractive pension plan.
With a population of over 107,000 residents in the city of Lowell and an average starting salary for a police officer that is really competitive, this is one department you will want to consider working for.
Top employers in Lowell are:
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Middlesex Community College
- And many medical companies, including Biogen Idec and EMD Millipore.
4. Pittsfield Police Department
The Pittsfield Police Department is another great place to work as a police officer in Massachusetts.
This department has a rich history dating back to 1849, when it was first established.
It is the second largest city in Berkshire County with a population of over 43,000 residents.
Police officers here enjoy a great starting salary, excellent health care and pension plans, and plenty of opportunity for career advancement.
The Pittsfield Police Department is also one of the most diverse police departments in Massachusetts, with a respectable number of its officers being members of minority groups.
Top employers in Pittsfield are:
Berkshire Medical Center
Mt. Everett Regional School District
And a number of area schools, including the Pittsfield Public Schools and Berkshire Christian Academy.
5. Brockton Police Department
The Brockton Police Department is another excellent place to work as a police officer in Massachusetts.
This department is located in Plymouth County, and it has a population of over 95,000 people.
The Brockton PD is known for its diversity, and it offers many opportunities for career advancement.
It also has a low cost of living, making it an attractive place to work for police officers.
The different units within the Brockton PD offer great career opportunities.
These include detective, patrol, K-9, swat and more.
Police recruits who are interested in joining this unit will find it to be a rewarding experience with plenty of room for growth within that department.
6. Quincy Police Department
The Quincy police department is another great place to work as a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts.
This agency has numerous opportunities for career advancement within its different units, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking to move up the ranks quickly and efficiently.
Quincy PD also provides plenty of diversity, creating an excellent working environment for officers of all backgrounds.
The cost of living in Quincy is also very low, making it an attractive place to work and live.
Police recruits who are interested in joining this unit will find that they have plenty of opportunities to grow and develop their skills while working here.
Top employers in Quincy include:
- •City of Quincy
- •Quincy College
- •Baystate Medical Center
- •Brigham and Women’s Hospital
7. Massachusetts State Police
The state police is another excellent place to work as a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts.
The state police have over 900 sworn personnel and more than 300 civilian employees.
In Massachusetts, the state police are responsible for patrolling all public highways as well as enforcing motor vehicle laws throughout the commonwealth.
Police officers at this department can also be deployed to assist local departments in times of natural disasters or other large-scale events that require additional manpower.
The Massachusetts state police is a great department to work for due to its large size, diverse population, and excellent career advancement opportunities.
8. Chelsea Police Department
With a population of over 36,000 people, Chelsea is the eighth largest city in Massachusetts.
The Chelsea Police Department is responsible for patrolling this large area and ensuring the safety of its residents.
The Chelsea Police Department is a great place to work for police officers due to its diverse population, excellent career advancement opportunities, and low cost of living.
9. Methuen Police Department
With a population of approximately 49,000, the Methuen Police Department is one of the best departments in Massachusetts.
The city was founded in 1722 and has grown steadily since then with its strategic location between Boston & Lawrence.
The police department offers a wide range of opportunities for applicants.
The Methuen Police Department is a full-service agency, which administers all aspects of law enforcement including:
- answering 911 calls
- traffic control
- investigating crime scenes
- collecting evidence
- making arrests
- interviewing witnesses
- patrolling the city
10. Springfield Police Department
The Springfield Police Department is a great place to work for law enforcement officers in Massachusetts.
With a population of over 150,000 people and plenty of opportunities for career advancement, this department is a great place to work.
The Springfield Police Department also has a diverse population, which creates an excellent working environment for officers of all backgrounds.
Police applicants can expect to make an annual salary that is attractive, while enjoying excellent benefits that includes:
- low cost dental insurance
- paid vacation
- paid sick time
- full health coverage
- retirement plans & more!
The median household income for the City of Springfield is $42,000.
The department offers excellent training opportunities with the state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Center located on the campus of Springfield Technical Community College.
FAQ About Becoming a Cop in Massachusetts
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts.
How to Become a Police Officer in Boston, MA?
If you are interested in joining one of the best police departments and earning an excellent salary for your efforts, then this is probably the job for you!
There are several steps, but here are just two steps that you need to complete in order to be a police officer in Boston:
Step One: Meet the Minimum Requirements
In order to become a police officer in Boston, you must meet the following requirements:
•be at least 21 years old
•be a United States citizen
•hold a high school diploma or GED
•possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license
•have a clean criminal record
Step Two: Pass the Physical Ability Test & Written Exam
Once you’ve met the minimum requirements to become an officer in Boston, you must then pass the physical ability test and written exam.
The physical ability test is a basic measure of your overall fitness and includes tests such as: sit-ups, push-ups, a mile run, etc.
The written exam measures your knowledge of law enforcement topics and general awareness.
After you’ve passed both the physical ability test and written exam, you must then pass a background check before being hired as an officer in MA.
Your Background Check Will Include:
- fingerprints and a polygraph test
- a review of your driving record
- credit check
- reference checks
- criminal history check
What is the Average Salary for a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
The average salary for police officers in Massachusetts can vary depending on where you work and what level of experience you have.
According to PayScale, the median annual wage (mean) for law enforcement professionals is $56,219 per year ($26.19 hourly).
However, starting salaries can be as high as $60,000+ per year.
After 2-5 years on the job, officers can expect to earn more.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
The benefits of becoming a police officer in Massachusetts vary depending on the department you work for, but can include:
- •paid vacation days
- •paid sick days
- •medical & dental insurance
- •vision insurance
- •life insurance
- •college tuition reimbursement program
How Long Does it Take to Become a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
The length of time it takes to become a police officer in Massachusetts can vary depending on the department you work for and the level of experience you have.
However, it can take as long as 1-2 years to become a police officer in Massachusetts.
What is the Average Work Schedule for Police Officers?
Police officers work an average of 40 hours per week, which includes nights and weekends. While shifts may vary depending on your department, most shift schedules are:
- •day shift – 07:00-19:00
- •night shift – 19:00-07:00
- •weekend shifts – 07:00-19:00 or 19:00-07:00.
How Safe is it to be a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
The safety of police officers can vary depending on where you work and what your job duties are.
Overall, it is a safe profession as the rate of violent crime for all workers in Massachusetts was 27% lower than that found across the entire country.
Where are the Best Places to Work as a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
There are many great places to work as a police officer in Massachusetts.
Some of the best include:
- Boston Police Department
- Saugus Police Department
- Fall River Police Department
- Nantucket Police Department
- Springfield Police Department
- Cambridge Police Department
If you are looking for a great place to start your law enforcement career, the Massachusetts State Police are a great option.
They offer paid training, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits.
What are the Requirements to Become a Sheriff’s Deputy in Massachusetts?
The requirements to become a sheriff’s deputy in Massachusetts can vary depending on the county you work for.
However, most counties require that candidates:
- be at least 21 years old
- possess a high school diploma or GED
- have no felony convictions
- hold a valid Massachusetts driver’s license
What is the Job Outlook for Police Officers in Massachusetts?
The job outlook for police officers in Massachusetts is positive.
As the population of the state continues to grow, so does the need for law enforcement professionals.
What are Some Common Duties of Police Officers?
Some common duties of police officers include:
- •patrolling an assigned area on foot or in a vehicle
- •conducting traffic stops
- •handling and documenting criminal cases in court
- •processing crime scenes, collecting evidence from the scene, taking photos of the area
