GetBadged
FT Lateral Transfer Officer
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Job Description
Bring Your Experience Where It Matters Most. Step Into a Department That’s Built Different—Cambridge PD.
You’ve already put in the work. Now it’s time to bring your experience to a department—and a city—that matches your level.
The Cambridge Police Department is seeking certified and lateral transfer officers ready to take the next step in their 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.
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 supports thoughtful policing.
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If you’re looking for more than just a change of patch—this is where your experience can make a real difference. Join the Cambridge Police Department—where innovation, diversity, and community-driven policing define the future of law enforcement.
Minimum Requirements
The Cambridge PD has outlined minimum qualifications and preferences that reflect the needs, values, and expectations of our department and community. In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Basic Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must possess or be eligible to possess a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms.
Minimum Qualifications
- Be currently working as a full-time police officer in Massachusetts (municipal or MBTA), or have graduated from an MPTC-approved police academy within the last 5 years subject to Civil Service under Chapter 31.
- If not currently employed, you must have successfully completed a full-time MPTC Police Academy by July 1, 2026.
- You must be fully up to date on all required in-service training.
- Must hold active certification with the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 6E, 4.
- Must have maintained a strong attendance record, good performance evaluations with no major disciplinary issues.
- At the time of application must reside in a municipality within 15 miles of Cambridge, as defined by G.L. c. 41, 99A.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with one or more of the following skills, certifications, or assignments are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Bilingual in English and another language commonly spoken in Cambridge.
- Demonstrated commitment to procedurally just and community-focused policing.
- Experience or certification as:
- Sexual Assault Investigator
- Field Training Officer (FTO)
- Bicycle Patrol Officer
- COBWEB-certified officer
ADA Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Qualifications
All applicants will be required to successfully complete:
- Comprehensive background investigation.
- Medical and psychological examination screenings.
- Undergo the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and fitness test based on Cooper Standards.
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 Degrees)
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) years)
- 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 Like
- 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 (as required).
- Receive a conditional offer of employment upon successful completion of prior stages.
- Successfully complete the state-mandated Physical Ability Test (PAT) and fitness test based on 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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