GetBadged
FT Entry Level Officer
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Job Description
Start Your Career Where It Matters Most. Step Into a Department That’s Built Different—Cambridge PD.
The Cambridge Police Department is seeking motivated, driven candidates ready to begin their law enforcement careers while serving one of the most dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking communities in Massachusetts.
The Work:
Cambridge is a busy, urban environment with a wide range of calls for service. Officers handle everything from quality-of-life concerns to complex invitations and critical incidents. Our patrol division operates on structured shifts designed to provide consistent coverage across the city.
In addition to patrol, officers have opportunities to work in specialized units, including:
- Criminal Investigations
- Youth Resource Officers
- Community Action and Outreach Teams
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigations
- Behavioral health and co-response initiatives.
One of the defining features of our department is the Family and Social Justice Section, which focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, addressing behavioral health needs, and building long-term solutions alongside community partners.
Leadership and Growth:
We encourage initiative at every level. Officers are given opportunities to develop specialized skills, take on leadership roles, and contribute ideas that improve the department. Training, mentorship, and professional development are priorities, not afterthoughts.
The Community:
Cambridge is a vibrant, growing urban community of approximately 120,000 residents and the fourth largest city in Massachusetts. It is a global hub of innovation, education, and culture—home to Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a rapidly expanding network of biotech and high-tech companies.
Our Community Is Diverse And Globally Connected
- 34% of residents identify as people of color.
- 34% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Cambridge offers a unique opportunity to serve a population that is engaged, educated, and deeply invested in its community.
Our Culture
Our department values professionalism, respect, and sound judgement. Officers are expected to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach every interaction with fairness and integrity. We operate in a community that is engaged and informed, and we embrace that as part of the job. You will be supported by leadership that is present, accessible, and invested in your growth. At the same time, you will be held to a high standard. We believe in backing our officers while also expecting accountability and strong decision-making.
Why Cambridge PD
- A culture that values professionalism and respect.
- Leadership that is engaged and supportive.
- Meaningful work that goes beyond enforcement.
- Opportunities for specialization and career growth.
- A community that expects and support thoughtful policing.
You’ve made the decision. Now it’s time to take that first step into a career that actually means something. If you're looking to be a part of a department where your work matters and your voice is valued, the Cambridge Police Department offers that opportunity.
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Minimum Requirements
Below are the minimum requirements as outlined by Massachusetts state law for police officer candidates, as well as the minimum requirements unique to the Cambridge Police Department.
As an agency conducting their Entry Level recruitment and hiring outside of the Civil Service agency, the Cambridge PD has the flexibility to establish department-specific criteria to help us identify the strongest and most aligned candidates for our team.
These are the minimum qualifications required by state law to serve as a police officer in Massachusetts. All applicants must meet these baseline standards to be considered eligible.
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. Citizen (Birth or naturalization).
- Valid ID: Possess a valid Massachusetts Driver's License.
- Academy Requirements: Must successfully complete the Full-Time MPTC Police Academy.
- LTC: Must successfully obtain an unrestricted Massachusetts Class A License to Carry a Firearm (LTC-A).
- Background Investigation: Must pass a thorough and comprehensive background investigation.
- Medical Exams: Pass a medical and psychological exam, and drug screening.
- PAT/Fitness Test: Must pass the PAT prior to entrance into the full-time MPTC Police Academy, as well as the Cambridge PD's fitness test based on the Cooper Standards.
- No Felony Convictions: Must not be a convicted felon, or have convictions from another jurisdiction that would be treated as a felony in the Commonwealth.
- Must Not Smoke: Must stay a non-smoker. Smoking of tobacco products is prohibited as outlined by G.L. c. 41 Section 101A of the Massachusetts General Laws.
In addition to state standards, the Cambridge PD has outlined minimum qualifications and preferences that reflect the needs, values, and expectations of our department and community.
- Age Requirements: Candidates must be at least 21 years of age.
- Educational Requirements: Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
- Multilingual: Candidates with multilingual skills are highly preferred.
- Fitness Requirements: Must pass the department-held fitness test.
- Exam Requirement: Candidates must achieve 70%+ on the GetBadged exam to apply.
ADA Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Qualifications
Preferred Eligibility: Preference will be given to candidates who meet certain additional qualifications (such as multilingual, EMT Certification, Veteran status, or other preferred credentials). However, all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration.
Hybrid Pathway: The Cambridge Police Department utilizes a modern hybrid hiring model, filling approximately 50% of entry-level positions through the traditional Massachusetts Civil Service process and 50% through a local eligibility register facilitated by GetBadged. While candidates may be sourced through GetBadged, all appointments remain fully subject to Massachusetts Civil Service laws and regulations under M.G.L. Chapter 31, including required approvals, eligibility requirements, and successful completion of all pre-employment conditions prior to appointment.
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Salary & Compensation
The Cambridge PD offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package designed to support long-term career satisfaction.
Salary
Annual Salary For Patrol Officer
- $57,819 = Starting base pay (Step 1)
- $66,018 = Second year base pay
- $74,222 = Third year base pay
- $82,426 = Fourth and subsequent year base pay
Full Expanded Quinn Bill Benefits (including non-Criminal Justice Degree's)
Compensation Beyond the Paycheck
Contractual Benefits
- Educational Incentive Pay: (10%-25% for officers with eligible degrees)
- On Annual Base, Police Equipment/Training Pay, Master Police Officer, and Hazardous Duty Pay
- Master Police Officer/MPO Rate (after completion of five (5) year)
- Hazardous Duty (paid weekly)
- Holiday Pay (paid fourteen (14) times per year)
- Holiday Premium (payable first Thursday of December)
- Night Differential (booking, wagon, clerk assignment)
- Overtime and Court-time (at time plus one-half per hour (three (3) or four (4) hour minimum)
- Police Equipment/Training Pay
- EMT Compensation (paid yearly)
- (14-35) Vacation Days/Year
- (2) Personal Days (per calendar year)
- Health Insurance: Blue Cross & Harvard Pilgrim
- Life Insurance
- Dental/Vision Plan
- Contributory Pension Plan (at 9% plus additional 2% any excess of $30,000)
- Overtime Opportunities ("details" worked off-duty = $80 - $90 per hour)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Union Affiliation: Cambridge Police Patrol Officers' Association (CPPOA)
NOTE: The information contained here is approximate; exact amounts and benefits are subject to the settlement of collective bargaining contracts. Information is also subject to change based on Departmental Policy changes and/or future contract settlement.
Hiring Process
Joining the Cambridge Police Department starts with a clear, step-by-step hiring process that reflects the standards and values of our agency.
Here’s What The Journey Looks
- Achieve a score of 70%+ on the GetBadged exam.
- Submit your application for review and eligibility determination.
- Receive an invitation to a panel interview (if deemed eligible).
- Undergo a comprehensive background investigation (if selected).
- Complete a medical and psychological evaluation, and drug screening (as required).
- Receive a conditional offer of employment upon successful completion of prior stages.
- Successfully complete the state-mandated Physical Ability Test required for entry into the Full-Time MPTC Police Academy, as well as the department's fitness test based on the Cooper Standards as a condition of employment.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Cambridge Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
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