New Hire Information

Why should I become a Pittsfield Police officer?


The Pittsfield Police Department is a progressive and contemporary agency that offers a rewarding career. Individuals who wish to serve the public will find that the Pittsfield Police Department offers progressive salary and benefits, initial and ongoing training, and opportunities to enhance your career in law enforcement. For example: Detective Bureau, Motorcycle Unit, Gang Unit, Special Response Team, and more.

The base annual salary for a Student Police Officer is $45,500.00. However, the incentive-laden collective bargaining agreement brings the current average actual annual salary of Patrol Officers (non-supervisory sworn staff) in all pay scales, including average education, language, certifications, special assignment and night differentials to $72,819.00 (no overtime, with holiday pay).

The Pittsfield Police Department is currently accepting applications from highly motivated and proactive patrol officers for lateral transfer to this department.

Individuals interested in a lateral transfer should forward their cover letter and resume to: Police Chief Michael Wynn at 39 Allen Street Pittsfield, MA 01201

Officers work four consecutive days and have two off. This means that officers will have an extra 17 days off a year compared to the average five on and two off schedule.

The City of Pittsfield offers several health insurance plans, dental, pension, deferred compensation, and more.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a competitive retirement plan, which can be viewed here.

How do I become a Pittsfield Police Officer?

Step 1 – Qualify

A career as a police officer is physically and mentally demanding. Therefore, you should be sure that you are prepared for the demands before you apply. It is of the upmost importance that candidates begin to physically prepare themselves before the hiring process begins.

Candidates must pass four physical ability tests during the process of applying. The Pittsfield Police Department administers two tests during the hiring process. The examinations mirror the Municipal Police Training Committee standards. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also requires a Physical Ability Test be completed in order to qualify for the Police Academy. Finally, the candidate must also pass a physical ability test administered by the MPTC staff.

Candidates must be 19 years old to apply for a police officer civil service examination. Please note, you need to be 21 years old to be appointed as a police officer. Civil Service Law Chapter 31, Section 58. There is no maximum age limit for the Pittsfield Police Department.

Candidates must possess a diploma from a U.S. high school, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution. 

Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or Naturalized Citizen and have a valid Massachusetts Driver’s license during the police academy.

Must be able to obtain a Massachusetts Class A License to Carry a Firearm.

Candidates must have a history of making good choices, maturity, and discipline. Certain criminal backgrounds will disqualify you from employment with the Pittsfield Police Department. Candidates cannot have a felony conviction. All applications are treated on a case by case basis.

Step 2 – Take the Civil Service Exam

Applicants must register for the civil service exam to become a police officer. Exams are given every two years, and the next exam will likely take place in 2021. The Commonwealth’s website has more information about the examination. Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply for the examination and will be considered for employment with the Pittsfield Police Department. Candidates who have residency in Pittsfield may receive preference.

Step 3 – Orientation and Physical Fitness Examination

Once your name is selected via the civil service system, you will be contacted by the Pittsfield Police Department and advised to attend an orientation. Please remember to “dress for the job you want” and that all interactions with the department’s staff is considered part of the hiring process.

Candidates will participate in a departmental physical ability test based on the standards of the Municipal Police Training Committee. This will determine your readiness for a demanding law enforcement career.

During the orientation, candidates will be given information regarding Pittsfield Police as an employer, the hiring process, the field training process, and more. Candidates will also receive and discuss the background investigation packet.

Step 4 – Background investigation

The next step will be to complete the background investigation packet. The background process will be in depth and at times intrusive. This step is usually completed within one month once submitted to your investigator.

Step 5 – Interview

Candidates who met the previous standards will be interviewed by the Chief of Police, who can then extend conditional offers of employment. The interview will include normal business, behavioral and scenario type questions to determine your eligibility to be a police officer. No previous law enforcement experience is required to answer the questions.

Step 6  – Medical exam

Candidates must complete a medical examination to determine your readiness for the Physical Ability Test and the academy. 

Step 7 – Physical Ability Test

Candidates will complete the Physical Ability Test (PAT) to determine their eligibility to become a police officer. Information about the PAT, which is administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can be found here.

Step 8 – Psychological exam

Candidates must complete a psychological examination to determine their compatibility with the Pittsfield Police Department.

Step 9 – Final Departmental Physical Ability Test

The Pittsfield Police Department will administer an additional physical ability test to determine your readiness for the academy. The examination once again mirrors the Municipal Police Training Committee standards.

Step 10 – Academy Physical Ability Test

The final physical ability test will be administered by the MPTC staff. This exam will determine if you will be admitted to the police academy. The examination once again mirrors the Municipal Police Training Committee standards.

Step 11 – Final step

Candidates who successfully met the previous standards and completed all examinations will be registered for a police academy. If the candidate successfully completes the academy, they will begin the challenging field training process as a police officer. Congratulations!

Helpful links:

Police Academy Information