Police Officer
Overview
The Nantucket Police Department is a full-service agency that is responsible for four major public safety functions; Police, Emergency Communications (Dispatch), Harbormaster, and Business Licensing/Permitting. The department has 43 full-time sworn officers, 11 Communications employees, 7 administrative staff, and 5 Harbor Master Division staff. In the busy summer months, our staff size increases with the addition of 40 non-sworn Community Service Officers and 60 lifeguards. The department has opportunities for officers to join our specialty units (Detectives, Animal Control, School Resource Officer, Motorcycle Unit, and Downtown Resource Officer) after just 1 year on the job. Officers work on the Pitman schedule to offer community support and protection 24/7. The members of the department work hard in their respective areas of expertise to ensure that visitors and residents alike are safe and enjoy their time here on the island. The Nantucket Police Department is a non-civil service agency and we do not require a written test. We accept applications on a rolling basis and, when a position becomes vacant, we review applications and conduct interviews.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age
- Hold a valid Massachusetts driver's license
- Possess a license to carry (LTC) or ability to obtain one
- A degree in Criminal Justice or a related field is preferred but not mandatory
Pay
- As of July 1, 2026, the hourly pay range is $44.30 to $59.29 ($91,439.47-$122,364.86). On July 1, 2027, those rates will increase by 3% and on July 1, 2028, those rates will increase again by 3%.
- Educational Incentive: Officers with an Associate's Degree, may earn an additional $600-$5,000 per year and those with a Bachelor's Degree, may earn an additional $1,200-$10,000, both depending on years of service.
- Longevity Pay: Ranges from 2-5% of base pay depending on years of service to the Town.
- Overtime: Overtime is available.
- Outside Details: Many officers supplement their base salary by working traffic and security details for third parties. As of July 1, 2026, the detail rate is $80/hour for officers working outside details. As of July 1, 2026, officers working details at the airport to support the Transportation and Security Administration at the passenger screening checkpoint in compliance with the Nantucket Memorial Airport Security Plan, earn $140/hour.
Benefits
- Health Insurance: The Town pays 90% of the cost of health insurance and the employees only pay 10%.
- Holidays: Employees get 14 paid holidays each calendar year.
- Personal Days: Employees may use up to 24 hours of personal time each year.