Police Officer
About the role
The Nantucket Police Department is a full-service agency responsible for four major public safety functions: Police, Emergency Communications (Dispatch), Harbormaster, and Business Licensing/Permitting. The department employs 43 full-time sworn officers, 11 Communications employees, 7 administrative staff, and 5 Harbor Master Division staff. During the busy summer months, staff increases with 40 non‑sworn Community Service Officers and 60 lifeguards. Officers have the opportunity to join specialty units (Detectives, Animal Control, School Resource Officer, Motorcycle Unit, and Downtown Resource Officer) after just one year on the job. Members work hard in their respective areas of expertise to ensure visitors and residents are safe and enjoy their time on the island. The department is a non‑civil service agency and does not require a written test; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Hold a valid Massachusetts driver’s license or ability to obtain one
- Possess a license to carry (LTC) or ability to obtain one
Benefits
- Health Insurance: The Town pays 90% of the cost; employees pay 10%
- Holidays: 14 paid holidays each calendar year
- Personal Days: Up to 24 hours of personal time each year
Pay
- Salary: As of July 1, 2026, hourly pay range $44.30–$59.29 ($91,439.47–$122,364.86 annually). Increases 3% effective July 1, 2027 and again July 1, 2028.
- Educational Incentive: Associate’s Degree may earn an additional $600–$5,000 per year; Bachelor’s Degree may earn an additional $1,200–$10,000 per year, both depending on years of service.
- Active Military: may earn an additional $2,500 per year.
- Longevity Pay: Ranges from 2–5% of base pay depending on years of service.
- Overtime: Available.
- Outside Details: Officers may supplement base salary by working traffic and security details for third parties. Detail rate $80/hour (effective July 1, 2026). Airport details supporting TSA passenger screening checkpoint earn $140/hour (effective July 1, 2026).
Schedule
Officers work on the Pitman schedule to provide community support and protection 24/7.