Serve with purpose. Protect with pride.
The Hanover Police Department is seeking dedicated, community-minded professionals to serve one of New England’s most vibrant and engaged communities. Whether you are beginning your law enforcement career or are an experienced certified officer, Hanover offers a rewarding opportunity to serve with integrity, professionalism, and strong community support—while enjoying competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and long-term career growth.
Position Overview
The Hanover Police Department is accepting applications for both Entry Level (Non-Certified) Police Officers and Full-Time Certified Police Officers. Officers serve a dynamic college-town community and are supported by a department that values accountability, inclusion, and community-oriented policing.
Compensation, Incentives & Hiring Bonuses
Certified Police Officers
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Structured hiring bonus (UPDATED):
- $30,000 for NH full-time certified officers
- Starting salary within the listed range, commensurate with qualifications and experience
- Regular opportunities for pay increases beyond entry salary
Entry Level (Non-Certified) Police Officers
- $5,000 structured hiring bonus
- Salary increases upon:
- Successful completion of the NH Police Academy
- Six (6) months of successful employment
- Annual pay increases thereafter, in addition to the entry-level salary range
Education & Fitness Incentives (All Officers)
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Education Incentives (added to base salary):
- Associate’s Degree: 2%
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4%
- Master’s Degree: 6%
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Physical Fitness Incentives (Cooper Standards – 50th Percentile):
- 2% added to base salary in the first year
- 1% added for each subsequent year requirements are met
- Up to 8% total fitness incentive
Benefits
The Town of Hanover offers an outstanding and highly competitive benefits package, including:
- Choice of three excellent health insurance plans
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Town-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
- Town-paid life insurance
- New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS)
- Dental plan
- Supplemental insurance and retirement savings options
- And much more
About Hanover, NH
Hanover is a historic and dynamic small college community in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, located along the Connecticut River and minutes from Vermont—just 2.5 hours from Boston. Home to Dartmouth College, a vibrant downtown, and the Appalachian Trail, Hanover offers exceptional quality of life with year-round outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and strong community engagement.
The Town proudly supports the mission of its professional, capable, and community-focused police department.
