What is your dream job? Do you want to be a police officer or sheriff’s deputy?
The best way to find out which agencies in Pennsylvania have the highest quality of life, low crime rates, and the most opportunities for advancement is by reading this blog post.
We will give you an overview of ten different law enforcement agencies in PA that are great places to work!
However, before we get started, we want to mention a few things about the job market in PA.
About Law Enforcement Agencies in PA
First of all, there are over 500 police departments and sheriff’s offices across Pennsylvania so choosing which one you would like to work at can feel overwhelming!
Luckily, this blog post will help narrow down your search by telling you some important information about each agency.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the cost of living varies greatly from one city to another in PA.
The cities with the lowest cost of living are often the most desirable places to work, but there are also some great agencies located in more expensive areas.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s get started on our list!
14 Best Police Agencies to Work For PA
Below is a list of the fourteen best police agencies in Pennsylvania, starting with the number one agency and working our way down to number thirteen.
Each agency is ranked based on its diversity, quality of life, career advancement opportunities, and cost of living.
We have also provided a brief description of each agency so that you can get an idea of what it is like to work there.
Make sure to do your own research before making a final decision about where to apply!
1. Pennsylvania State Police
The Pennsylvania State Police Department is a statewide law enforcement agency that is responsible for patrolling the highways and rural areas of PA.
They are also responsible for protecting all of Pennsylvania’s 67 state parks!
The most common way to become a police officer with the PSP is by applying through their civil service exam process.
Applicants must pass an extensive background check, physical fitness test, polygraph examination, medical evaluation, and psychological evaluation.
The Pennsylvania State Police is a great place to work for individuals who are looking for a career in law enforcement that offers opportunities for advancement and statewide travel.
2. Bethlehem Police Department
The Bethlehem Police Department is a municipal law enforcement agency that serves the city of Bethlehem, PA.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license to apply.
The department offers several different career paths including police officer, detective, K-12 school resource officer, and special agent.
Applicants must pass a written examination, physical fitness test, polygraph exam, and extensive background check.
The Bethlehem Police Department is a great place to work for individuals who are looking for career advancement opportunities in law enforcement that offers low cost of living and high quality of life.
3. Upper Darby Township Police Department
The Upper Darby Township Police Department is a municipal law enforcement agency that serves the township of Upper Darby, PA.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior law enforcement experience is preferred but not required.
The Upper Darby Township Police Department offers excellent pay and benefits, including: health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation time, and more.
The department also offers a variety of career advancement opportunities, including: a promotional exam process, numerous specialized training classes and seminars available to members, promotions from within the department, and more.
The Upper Darby Township Police Department provides excellent service and protection for citizens of Philadelphia (the largest city in Pennsylvania) as well as those who live or work in Upper Darby Township.
4. Lower Merion Township Police Department
The Lower Merion Township Police Department is located in the Philadelphia suburbs and serves a population of over 16,000 residents.
The department is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and has been recognized as one of the best police departments in America.
LMPD offers excellent training opportunities and career advancement potential, making it an appealing agency to work for.
The area also has a low cost of living, making it an affordable place to live for police officers and their families.
5. Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office
The Allegheny County Sheriff’s office is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This agency offers excellent benefits and training opportunities to all employees.
Sheriff’s deputies also have the opportunity for career advancement due to the large number of specialized units that are part of this police department.
These units include aviation, bomb squad, canine unit, detective bureau, and more.
The Allegheny County Sheriff’s office is also nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
6. Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office.
Westmoreland County also has a large population of over 300,000 residents and is located in the southwestern area of the state.
The sheriff’s office here prides itself on its community-oriented policing and its many outreach programs.
Applicants can look forward to a diverse and welcoming work environment, ample opportunity for career growth, and a low cost of living.
Many of the sheriff’s office staff members are bilingual in English and Spanish, which helps make Westmoreland County a great place to work.
The area also has many public transportation options for commuters looking to avoid driving on busy roads.
This county was founded more than 200 years ago in 1773 by settlers from Connecticut who were seeking fertile land and a good location for trade.
7. Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
The Pittsburgh Police Department is the second-largest law enforcement agency in Pennsylvania, with over 850 sworn officers.
This department offers excellent training and advancement opportunities to its employees, as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.
Pittsburgh also has a low cost of living, making it an attractive place to work for police officers with a family.
The city of Pittsburgh is also very diverse, providing officers with a unique and enriching work environment.
Police applicants looking for a great place to work should definitely consider the Pittsburgh Police Department.
With its excellent training and advancement opportunities, competitive salary and benefits package, and diverse cityscape, this department is sure to provide officers with an enjoyable and fulfilling career.
8. Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
The Lancaster County Sheriff is an elected official who manages the day-to-day operations of the sheriff’s office.
This department offers competitive salaries and benefits for its officers, excellent opportunities for advancement within the organization, a low cost of living in Lancaster county, as well as exceptional training programs.
Lancaster also has a respectable crime rate and is an ideal place for police applicants to start their careers.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office provides excellent training, advancement opportunities, competitive salaries and benefits packages, as well as an exceptional work environment in which employees can thrive.
Police officers looking for a great agency should consider working at the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to being a great place to work, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office offers high-quality services and programs for its citizens.
This office is dedicated to protecting those who live in Lancaster county as well as enforcing crimes committed within the county borders.
All of these factors make it an excellent choice for police applicants looking for both career advancement opportunities and a rewarding career.
9. Erie County Sheriff’s Office
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is a medium-sized law enforcement agency that offers excellent pay and benefits, opportunities for advancement, and a low cost of living.
This office also has a diverse population, making it an interesting and enjoyable place to work.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is a great place for police officers who are looking for both a career and a fulfilling life experience.
Officers working at this agency can expect excellent pay and benefits as well as a great working environment.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is an excellent place to work for police officers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
Officers at this office can expect to find ample opportunities for advancement, high-quality training, and a diverse population to serve.
10. Philadelphia Police Department
The Philadelphia Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in Pennsylvania, with over 9000 sworn officers.
This department offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, opportunities for career advancement, and a diverse cityscape.
Philadelphia also has a high cost of living, making it an undesirable place to work for police officers with families.
The Philadelphia Police Department is a great place to work for police officers who are looking for career advancement opportunities and high salaries.
Officers at this department can expect to find excellent compensation and benefits, diverse training programs designed by experienced instructors, as well as an opportunity to make a difference in their community.
Police applicants should consider the Philadelphia Police Department as their top choice when looking for a law enforcement agency to work for.
11. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
The Montgomery County sheriff’s office is located in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
The Montgomery County sheriff’s department has over 800 staff members and covers a population of over 800,000 people.
The Montgomery County sheriff’s office has a rich history and was founded in 1784.
The Montgomery County sheriff’s office is a great place to work and offers many opportunities for career advancement.
12. Buck County Sheriff’s Office
The Bucks County sheriff’s office is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
The Buck county sheriff’s department has a population of over 600,000 people.
The sheriff’s office is responsible for law enforcement, corrections, and court security in the county.
13. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
The Cumberland County sheriff’s office is located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
The Cumberland County sheriff’s department has a population of over 300,000 people.
The sheriff’s office has units that specialize in drug enforcement, crime scene investigation, and emergency response.
The opportunity for career advancement is excellent at the Cumberland County sheriff’s office.
14. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office
The Lawrence County sheriff’s office is located in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
The Lawrence County sheriff’s department has a population of over 120,000 people.
The sheriff’s office has a wide variety of specialized units that include narcotics, emergency response, and criminal investigations.
The Lawrence County sheriff’s office is a great place to work for police officers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
Final Thoughts
Applicants looking for a great place to work as a police officer in Pennsylvania should consider the agencies listed in this article.
These sheriff’s offices and police departments offer excellent benefits, opportunities for advancement, and high-quality training.
Officers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career should consider working at one of these agencies.
Thank you for reading!
FAQ About Working For a Police Agency in PA
Below are some frequently asked questions about working for a police agency in Pennsylvania.
What are the benefits of working for a law enforcement agency in Pennsylvania?
The benefits of working for a law enforcement agency in Pennsylvania vary from one department to another.
However most agencies offer excellent compensation and benefits packages, including medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, paid time-off, and generous salaries.
What types of law enforcement agencies are there in Pennsylvania?
There are all different kinds of police departments in the state of Pennsylvania including city police departments, county sheriff’s offices, university or college campus police agencies, railroad police agencies, transit authority patrol services, airport security units (like TSA), campus police agencies, and more.
What are the requirements of becoming a police officer in Pennsylvania?
In order to become a police officer in Pennsylvania, applicants must be at least 21-years old and have graduated from an accredited high school or earned their GED.
Applicants who want to work for a local law enforcement agency should also complete the requirements of the county sheriff’s office where they wish to work.
All applicants must also pass a written examination, oral interview, drug test, and physical fitness assessment.
How much does it cost to live in Pennsylvania?
The cost of living in Pennsylvania varies depending on the city or town that you reside in.
However, the general consensus is that the cost of living in Pennsylvania is lower than the national average.
In addition, many cities and towns in Pennsylvania have a lower cost of living combined with high quality of life opportunities that make this state an excellent choice for police officers who are looking to start or advance their career path.
How can I find out more information about working as a law enforcement officer in PA?
If you would like more information about working as a law enforcement officer in Pennsylvania, please contact the agency you are interested in working for.
Each department has their own specific requirements and procedures for hiring police officers, so it is best to speak with someone from the department directly.
How much does a police officer in Pennsylvania make?
Police officers who work for local law enforcement agencies in the state of Pennsylvania earn around $55k+ per year.
However, this varies depending on factors such as education level and years of experience that an officer has worked for a police department.
What is the average cost to attend a police academy in Pennsylvania?
The average cost to attend a police academy in the state of Pennsylvania is around $5000+.
However, this varies depending on the institution that you choose to attend.
How do I find out more about the salary of police officers in Pennsylvania?
The best way to find out more information about what police officers are paid is by contacting your prospective department directly.
Each department has their own pay scale depending on factors such as years of experience and education level, so it’s important that you speak with someone from the agency where you would like to work for directly.
What are the requirements of becoming a detective in PA?
In order to become a police detective, candidates must have at least 2-3 years of experience as patrol officer with their department before they can apply to move up through the ranks.
All applicants also need excellent written and oral communication skills, leadership abilities, strong problem-solving skills, and must be able to work independently.
Police detectives in Pennsylvania generally earn around $70k+ per year.
