now accepting applications until October 14
FAQ
HAVE
QUESTIONS?
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about joining the Hartford Police Department. If you still have questions, contact us. If you are ready, click APPLY NOW.
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Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Applicants must be a…
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A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. If education was completed outside the U.S., it must be evaluated to meet U.S. standards.
Age:
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21 years of age by the time of appointment. There’s no maximum age limit.
Driver’s License:
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Applicants need to have a valid driver’s license to drive a car. You should have it when you apply and all the way through the selection process.
Judicial Record:
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Applicants must NOT have been:
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Convicted of a felony;
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Convicted of an offense involving domestic violence;
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Convicted of any misdemeanor that carries a penalty of prohibiting ownership, possession or control or a firearm; or
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Restricted from employment with the City of Hartford.
Citizenship:
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A U.S. Citizenship is required at date of appointment.
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Salary:
Entry Level Police Officer’s Salary
$88,780 to $93,218/year*
Lateral Level Police Officer's Salary
$88,780 to $93,218/year*
Detective
$94,923 to $99,667/year*
Sergeant
$101,003 to $106,053/year*
Lieutenant
$114,770 to $120,508/year*
Captain
$128,538 to $134,496/year*
Pay reflects educational incentives Pay increase of up to 5% for college. Contact City of Hartford HR for more info regarding pay.
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Incentives:
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Paid Academy training
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Paid vacation, leave and sick time
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Holiday pay at holiday rate
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Overtime opportunities
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Uniform pay and equipment provided
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Education compensation bonuses
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Medical, dental, and vision benefits for officers, spouses and dependents.
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Numerous specialized units
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Hiring Process:
• Physical, Written, and Oral examination
• When called, you begin the next stage, which includes a background check, medical and psychological exams, and an interview with the Police Chief.
• The hiring process can take 6 months to a year, depending on the candidate’s situation and departmental needs.
• Do not quit your current employment until you receive official notification of hiring from HPD.
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Physical Requirements:
• Candidates must pass the CHIP Test, which evaluates fitness through sit-ups, push-ups, a 300-meter run, and a 1.5-mile run.
Register For A Police Physical Fitness Test | CHIP
• The CHIP Test includes:
• Sit-ups (Muscular Endurance)
• Push-ups (Muscular Endurance)
• 300-Meter Run (Anaerobic Power)
• 1.5-Mile Run (Cardiovascular Endurance)
• What Happens If You Fail the CHIP Test:
• If you fail, retake the test. No limitations exist to the number of times the test can be taken.
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Medical & Psychological Review:
• The medical assessment includes a comprehensive physical examination and drug/alcohol screening.
• No specific requirement for medical records but be prepared to provide them if requested.
• Past surgeries or injuries do not automatically disqualify candidates. Your ability to pass the medical exam will be evaluated.
• The psychological exam assesses your mental fitness for duty. You may be tested periodically throughout your career.
• Attending therapy or counseling is not a disqualifier. The reasons for seeking therapy and its impact will be evaluated.
• Medication use, including anti-depressants, will be assessed based on your medical and psychological history.
• There are no automatic mental health disqualifiers. Each case will be reviewed individually.
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Background Check:
• The background check verifies your character, criminal record, driving history, employment history, and more. It includes a home visit and reference checks.
• You will be contacted via email or phone details provided during your application. Check your spam folder and voicemail regularly.
• Prior substance use is not an automatic disqualifier. A drug screening is required prior to appointment.
• Felony convictions and serious offenses (e.g., domestic violence) may disqualify you, but minor offenses like traffic tickets may not. Full disclosure is important.
• There is no specific GPA requirement, but you must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
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Beard and Tattoo Policy:
• Beards are allowed as long as they are clean, well-groomed, and no longer than one inch.
• Tattoos are permitted, and many of our officers have them. In rare cases, if a tattoo is deemed unprofessional by the Chief of Police, it may need to be covered—usually with a matching sleeve or long-sleeve uniform top, however, no current examples of this exist currently at our department.