When it comes to finding the best law enforcement jobs, police officers and sheriff’s deputies want to work in cities that have plenty to do.
They also want a competitive salary, good career advancement opportunities, and a high quality of life.
In this article, we will be discussing the 10 best sheriff’s office and police department agencies to work for in New Hampshire.
About Law Enforcement Jobs in New Hampshire
Before we get into the best agencies to work for, let’s take a brief look at law enforcement in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire has two types of law enforcement: municipal police and county sheriff’s departments.
Municipal police are employed by cities and towns, while county sheriff’s deputies are employed by the county government.
In New Hampshire, there are about 208 law enforcement agencies employing 2,936 sworn police officers.
The majority of these officers are employed by municipal police departments, while the rest work for sheriff’s departments.
Salaries and Benefits
Police officers, and sheriff’s deputies can expect to receive a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
In New Hampshire, the average salary for a police officer is $53,000+.
Benefits can include health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, and a pension plan.
Many agencies offer officers the opportunity to earn overtime pay, and some offer a sign-on bonus.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Police officers, and sheriff’s deputies have excellent opportunities for career advancement.
Many agencies offer opportunities for promotion to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.
Some agencies have a detective division, which offers officers the opportunity to become detectives or criminal investigators.
Quality of Life
Law enforcement officers want to live in cities that are safe and have a high quality of life.
In New Hampshire, the crime rate is lower than the national average.
The state also has a high quality of life, with a low cost of living and excellent healthcare and education systems.
10 Best Sheriff’s Office and Police Department Agencies to Work For in New Hampshire
Now that we have an overview of law enforcement in New Hampshire, let’s take a look at the 10 best sheriff’s office and police department agencies to work for.
These agencies are ranked based on the following factors: salaries and benefits, career advancement opportunities, quality of life, and crime rate.
Manchester Police Department
The Manchester Police Department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in New Hampshire.
It employs 413 officers and has a crime rate that is well below the national average.
The department offers excellent salaries and benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, and a pension plan.
With a population of over 110,000, Manchester is a large city with plenty to do.
The department offers excellent career advancement opportunities and promotional opportunities to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.
The quality of life in Manchester is excellent, with a low cost of living and safe streets.
The Manchester Police Department is a great place to work for law enforcement officers looking for a large city.
Concord Police Department
The Concord Police Department is located in the capital of New Hampshire and is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits.
The department has a staff of over 130 sworn officers and civilians and is divided into several divisions, including patrol, investigations, special operations, and administration.
With a population of over 42,000 people, Concord is a nice size city in New Hampshire and offers plenty of opportunities for career growth.
The department also has a strong community focus, with programs such as DARE, Shop with a Cop, and Bike Rodeo that help engage the community and build relationships.
The Concord Police Department offers excellent benefits to its employees, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and a great retirement plan.
Give Concord Police Department a try if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career in a vibrant city.
Dover Police Department
The Dover Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Dover, NH.
At the time of the 2020 census, the population was 32,741, making it the largest city in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region and the fifth-largest municipality in New Hampshire.
The Dover Police Department is a full-service department, providing law enforcement services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Dover Police Department employs over 70 sworn officers and civilian personnel.
Salary for police officers in the Dover PD is really competitive, with a starting salary of over $58,000+.
Career advancement opportunities are available in the Dover PD, and officers can work their way up to positions such as detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.
Consider the Dover Police Department if you’re looking for a great law enforcement career opportunity in a vibrant and exciting city.
Keene Police Department
The Keene Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Keene, NH.
At the time of the 2020 census, the population was 23,047, making it a good size city in the state of New Hampshire.
The Keene Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
In addition to law enforcement, the KPD also provides dispatch services for nine other municipalities in Cheshire County.
Keene PD offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a pension.
Officers are also eligible for career advancement opportunities.
The Keene Police Department is a great place to work, with a good quality of life.
Nashua Police Department
The Nashua Police Department is the second-largest municipal law enforcement agency in New Hampshire.
With a population of 88,815 at the time of the 2020 census, it is also the second most populous city in the state.
The Nashua Police Department is accredited by CALEA.
NPD offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a retirement pension.
Officers are also eligible for career advancement opportunities. The Nashua Police Department is a great place to work, with a good quality of life.
Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in New Hampshire.
At the time of the 2020 census, the population was over 403,571, making it the most populous county in New Hampshire.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office employs over 550 sworn and civilian personnel.
HCSO offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a take-home car program.
The department is also forward-thinking, offering opportunities for career advancement and continuing education.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is an excellent place to work for law enforcement professionals looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
Rockingham Sheriff’s Office
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office is the second-largest sheriff’s office in New Hampshire.
At the time of the 2020 census, the population was over 289,000, making it the fourth most populous county in New Hampshire.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office employs over 280 sworn and civilian personnel.
The sheriff’s office is responsible for law enforcement, court security, and corrections in Rockingham County.
Rockingham County has a rich history that spans back to 1679 when it was settled by English colonists.
Today, there are plenty of things to do in Rockingham County including hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work, and it offers excellent career advancement opportunities.
Belknap County Sheriff’s Office
The Belknap County Sheriff’s Office is the third-largest sheriff’s office in New Hampshire.
At the time of the 2020 census, the population was over 66,000, making it the fifteenth most populous county in New Hampshire.
The Belknap County Sheriff’s Office employs over 130 sworn and civilian personnel.
The sheriff’s office is responsible for law enforcement, court security, and corrections in Belknap County.
Belknap County is a beautiful area of New Hampshire that offers plenty of things to do including hiking, fishing, skiing, and camping.
The Belknap County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work, and it offers excellent career advancement opportunities.
Strafford County Sheriff’s Office
The Strafford County Sheriff’s Office is the fourth-largest sheriff’s office in New Hampshire.
At the time of the 2020 census, the population was over 130,000, making it the 4th most populous county in New Hampshire.
The Strafford County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency that employs over 100 sworn and civilian personnel.
The sheriff’s office provides patrol, criminal investigations, emergency response, court security, corrections, and other services to the citizens of Strafford County.
Choose Strafford County if you are looking for a busy, full-service law enforcement agency with plenty of opportunity for career growth.
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is located in the city of Ossipee, New Hampshire. The sheriff’s office is responsible for law enforcement within Carroll County.
The sheriff’s office has a staff of over 100 sworn and non-sworn employees.
The sheriff’s office offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including paid vacation days, sick days, and holidays. Employees also receive medical, dental, and vision insurance. The sheriff’s office also offers a retirement plan.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work and offers employees plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
FAQ About Law enforcement jobs in New Hampshire
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about law enforcement jobs in New Hampshire.
Q: What are the requirements to become a law enforcement officer in New Hampshire?
A: In order to become a law enforcement officer in New Hampshire, you must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You must also be a United States citizen and have a valid driver’s license.
Q: What is the salary for law enforcement officers in New Hampshire?
A: The salary for law enforcement officers in New Hampshire varies depending on the agency you work for.
However, most law enforcement agencies offer a competitive salary and benefits package that starts between $50k and $65K+ per year.
Q: What are the career advancement opportunities for law enforcement officers in New Hampshire?
A: There are many career advancement opportunities for law enforcement officers in New Hampshire. Many law enforcement agencies offer promotions to higher ranks such as sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Some agencies also offer lateral transfers to other departments within the agency.
Q: What is the quality of life like for law enforcement officers in New Hampshire?
A: The quality of life for law enforcement officers in New Hampshire varies depending on the city you work in. However, most cities offer a good quality of life, with plenty to do and a competitive salary.
Q: Are there any special benefits for law enforcement officers in New Hampshire?
A: Yes, many law enforcement agencies offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes paid vacation days, sick days, and holidays. Employees also receive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Some agencies also offer a retirement plan.
Q: I am interested in becoming a law enforcement officer in New Hampshire. Where should I start?
A: If you are interested in becoming a law enforcement officer in New Hampshire, the best place to start is by researching the requirements for each agency.
You can find information about the requirements and salary for each agency on their website or by contacting the agency directly.
