JAFFREY POLICE DEPARTMENT

POLICE OFFICER

** Certified Officers can earn a $6,000 sign on bonus **

The Town of Jaffrey, New Hampshire is seeking noble men and women to serve as Police Officers in our tight-knit community.  

Jaffrey is located at the base of Mount Monadnock in the southwest corner of New Hampshire. With approximately 5,500 residents, Jaffrey’s three sparkling lakes, rolling countryside, and village greens make this the quintessential small New England town. Just 15 miles from the City of Keene and a 90 drive to Boston, Jaffrey offers outstanding opportunities for recreation, education, and commerce in a safe and healthy environment.       

The Police Department’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Town of Jaffrey.  To that end, the department pledges to uphold our core values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, and Respect to provide effective police services in a professional, courteous, and equitable manner.    

The Police Department is allocated for 11 full-time officers, 3 part-time officers, and a civilian office manager.  Positions within the department consist of the Chief, Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants, 1 Detective, and 6 Patrolmen.  Teamwork and comradery are essential. Customer service, safety, and the professional development of all employees are the priorities of the Police Chief. 

Patrol shifts are a variety of 8 hours and 10 hours which rotate every 2 months giving all officers exposure to all hours of policing.  The town is covered 24/7 by at least 2 officers so that officers are never working alone. 

Minimum Requirements to Apply:

Applicants must be prepared to dedicate themselves to our mission and uphold our core values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, and Respect while providing effective police services in a professional, courteous, and equitable manner.  We are an equal opportunity employer and hire based on an individual’s merits, abilities, and experience.  Although we prefer that applicants have prior law enforcement experience, a college degree, and possess a NH Police Standards and Training Council (NHPSTC) certification, we consider all applicants who meet the following minimum requirements:

• Education:  Completion of high school diploma, GED or its equivalent. 
• Age:  Must be at least 21 years of age by the closing date for application submittal established on the current recruitment announcement.
• You must possess a valid driver’s license.

Automatic Disqualifiers:

There are automatic disqualifiers for candidates established by the NHPSTC.  If any of the following apply you will not be considered for employment by the Jaffrey Police Department:  

• Used marijuana within 12 months
• Illegally used a controlled substance, other than marijuana, within 36 months; unless applicant was under 21 years of age at the time of use, in which case 24 months shall apply
• Manufactured, transported for sale, or sold a controlled substance
• Used a controlled substance while employed in a law enforcement capacity
• Been dishonorably discharged from military service
• Been convicted of a felony
• Been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty, unlawful sexual conduct, physical violence, controlled substances, moral turpitude, or any offense which would cause a reasonable person to doubt the applicant's character, honest, or ability.  A complete list of examples is available upon request.

The Jaffrey Police Department offers outstanding benefits to include: 

• Starting salary of $60,612 for uncertified candidates
• Starting salary of $62,451 for certified candidates
• Certified candidates can be placed higher on the salary scale after probation
• Automatic salary step system
• Top Patrol salary of $83,001
• Long standing Patrol Union guaranteeing benefits
• NH Public Safety Retirement System enrollment
• Comp time available to accrue up to 60 hours
• Earn 1 sick day per month up to 720 hours
• Earn 4 hours of vacation for every quarter sick time is not used
• 11 paid Holidays
• Worked Holidays are paid at double-time and a half
• Outside Details are paid at $64.11/hr.
• Up to $3,500 in annual education and physical fitness incentives
• $300 annual gym membership reimbursement
• Education assistance available
• Multiple Medical insurance plan options to fit your lifestyle
• Medical insurance buyout available
• Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• Participation in the regional SWAT Team after probation
• And much more...

The Jaffrey Police Department’s Tattoo Policy is as follows:

Tattoos that cannot be covered by a uniform consisting of a short sleeve shirt with a collar and full-length pants are prohibited.  The Chief of Police can allow exceptions to this rule if visible tattoos on forearms and necks are able to be covered while on duty in other approved manners. Tattoos of a racist, offensive, or politically charged nature are forbidden anywhere on an officer’s body. 

Any police officer applicant seeking employment who has visible tattoo(s) on the arms or legs shall be allowed to compete in the initial testing process.  If the applicant successfully completes these portions of the hiring process, the applicant’s tattoo(s) shall be examined by the background investigator to determine if the tattoo(s) are inappropriate and/or offensive.  If the tattoo(s) are determined to be inappropriate and/or offensive, the applicant will be disqualified from the hiring process.  All visible tattoo(s) will be required to be covered at all times while functioning in a law enforcement capacity or while conducting official business for the Jaffrey Police Department. 

Testing Process:

The testing process to be hired as a Jaffrey Police Officer is intensive and competitive.  It is designed to test the applicant’s physical fitness, intelligence, communication skills, integrity, and character.  It also screens the applicant’s physical and mental health to ensure they can endure the stressors associated with the job.  The following are the phases of the hiring process and are in order of occurrence:      

1. Physical Fitness Test –The physical fitness test is established by NHPSTC and is based on the 35% Cooper Institute Standards.  It is comprised of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. Candidates must meet the following minimum entry standards based on gender and age:

Push-ups

Sit-ups

1.5-Mile Run

*CHIP cards will be accepted, and this section therefore waived, if the candidate passed the above standards within 2 months of applying. 

3. Written Exam – There is a written exam that tests the candidate’s basic English/grammar skills, math skills, writing skills, and reading comprehension. 

4. Oral Board Interview – Candidates who successfully pass the Fitness Test and Written Exam may be asked to return for an interview with a Hiring Team.  The interview consists of basic and scenario-based questions.

5. Background Investigation – Finalists for employment undergo a thorough background investigation that includes checks and verification of criminal history, driving history, employment history, finances, education, previous addresses, and many other personal categories that would be indicators of a person’s character, integrity, and suitability for career in law enforcement.                 

6. Polygraph Exam – Finalists for employment must take and pass a polygraph exam.  It is meant to verify truthfulness and completeness of the information provided by the candidate during the background investigation.

7. Psychological Exam – Finalists who have successfully passed all previous phases undergo a psychological exam consisting of written questionnaires and an interview with a licensed mental health practitioner. 

8. Medical Exam – Finalists must pass a medical exam to include a drug screening.

*The Chief of Police has the authority waive any phase of the hiring process depending on the totality of circumstances as long as NHPSTC requirements are met.    

Aspiring candidates and lateral officers are encouraged to apply. For a listing of details and required qualifications please go to https://www.townofjaffrey.com/police-department/pages/employment-opportunities-0 . If you have any questions please contact Chief Todd Muilenberg or Lieutenant Chris LaBrecque at (603) 532-7865.