opportunity
special teams
As a K9 handler, you’ll work with a highly trained police dog to track suspects, detect drugs or firearms, locate missing persons, and clear buildings. You’ll train constantly to maintain top performance. Your role enhances officer safety, improves search efficiency, and brings unmatched precision to daily policing. What you do matters, because some missions require four legs and fearless instincts.
What we do:
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Deploy with a highly trained police dog to track suspects and missing persons
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Detect narcotics, firearms, and explosives
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Assist in building searches and high-risk apprehensions
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Train regularly to maintain peak performance
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Enhance officer safety and tactical capabilities
In 2024 The HPD K-9 Division assisted in 1,935 calls for service conducting 39 K-9 tracks, 69 building searches, assisted in recovering 19 pieces of evidence , had 33 detections, and 50 locates.
Ideal For:
Officers with patience, discipline, and a desire for highly specialized, team-oriented work.
Where your skills meet your K9 partner’s instincts.
Become a K-9 Handler. Join HPD. Become the Future.
As a member of HPD’s Marine Unit, you’ll patrol the Connecticut River and be trained to operate in tough aquatic environments. Your work ensures safety on the water, supports regional disaster response, and protects critical infrastructure along Hartford’s busy waterfront. What you do matters, because when lives depend on seconds, you’ll be first in.
What we do:
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Patrol the Connecticut River by boat and assist with dive operations
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Respond to water rescues, recoveries, and maritime emergencies
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Assist with large events on the water providing safety and security.
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Operate in challenging aquatic environments with specialized gear and training
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Support regional law enforcement on the water
HPD proudly leads the Captial Region Dive Team [CREST]. Working alongside surrounding agencies, we respond to critical incidents in rivers, lakes, and waterways across Connecticut. As a member of this team, you’ll train year-round, use specialized equipment, and be part of one of the most technically skilled units in the state.
In 2024 The CREST Dive Team assisted in the submerged recovery of 4 individuals and 6 vehicles.
Ideal For:
Officers who have a desire or passion for water activities, are comfortable in high-risk environments, and eager to serve where few are willing.
“When seconds count on the water, you’ll be the first to answer the call.”
Join HPD. Join Marine & Dive. Become the Future.
ERT members respond to the most dangerous situations, including
armed standoffs, hostage rescues, and execute high-risk warrants.
You’ll train in advanced tactics, breaching, less-lethal tools, and
firearms. Your presence brings calm to chaos. You matter because
you run toward danger when others can’t, and you do it with skill,
courage, and teamwork.
What we do:
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Handle the city’s most dangerous calls, hostage situations, barricades, and high-risk warrants
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Train in close-quarters tactics, less-lethal options, and advanced firearms
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Use teamwork, precision, and calm under pressure
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Operate with discipline during chaotic moments
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Protect officers, civilians, and suspects through skilled tactical response
In 2024 ERT had 65 deployments. ERT assisted U.S. Marshalls in apprehending a shooting suspect who shot at officers from Penn State. To date ERT has deployed 30 times.
Ideal For:
Highly skilled, physically fit officers who excel in high-stress environments and teamwork.
“When things go bad, we go in.”
Join HPD. Join ERT, Become the Future.
As a Field Training Officer, you’ll guide new recruits through their
first months on the job, teaching, evaluating, and modeling
what it means to be a HPD. You’ll shape the next generation of officers. Your role matters because leadership
doesn’t stop at rank, it starts with setting the example.
What we do:
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Mentor and train new recruits in real-world policing
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Model professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment
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Evaluate and guide officers through their probationary phase
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Ensure readiness and confidence in the field
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Shape the future of HPD through one-on-one development
Ideal For:
Experienced, dependable officers who lead by example and have a passion for teaching.
Join HPD. Become an FTO. Become the Future.
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Precision Under Pressure
HPD’s Bomb Squad responds to explosive threats with specialized tools,
robotics, and training. You’ll learn to handle suspicious packages, render
devices safe, and manage chemical threats. Your work protects schools,
neighborhoods, and public spaces from unseen danger. It matters because
one wrong move changes everything, and you make sure that doesn’t happen.
What we do:
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Respond to suspicious packages, explosive devices, and hazardous materials
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Use advanced robotics, suits, and x-ray technology
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Train in chemical, biological, and radiological threat response
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Assist regional agencies with explosive ordinance disposal
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Protect the public through safe, controlled resolution of deadly threats
In 2024 The HPD Bomb Squad assisted with 20 incidents and had 70 K-9 deployments.
Ideal For:
Officers with exceptional attention to detail, strong decision-making under pressure, and technical aptitude.
“You’ll face the threat no one else can—because failure isn’t an option.”
Join our Bomb Squad. Join HPD. Become the Future.
Street Crimes target the Worst Community Threats focusing on violent offenders, illegal guns, and open-air drug markets. Working with real-time intelligence, you’ll make strategic arrests and shut down crime before it escalates. You matter because Hartford deserves proactive policing that protects our communities without waiting for violence to strike.
What We Do:
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Work to investigate and disrupt gun and drug activity
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Use intelligence-led policing to arrest repeat offenders
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Conduct proactive patrols, vehicle stops, and conduct surveillance
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Assist in takedowns of violent groups and open-air drug markets
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Serve on the front lines of Hartford’s violent crime prevention initiatives
From 2023 through 2024, SCU investigated the recovery 136 firearms
Ideal For:
Officers are motivated, adaptable, and committed to disrupting street-level crime.
“We don’t wait for crime to happen, we go find it.”
Join SCU. Join HPD. Become the Future.
Pride in Every Step
The Honor Guard performs at funerals, memorials, civic events,
and parades. You’ll train in precision drill and ceremonial etiquette. More than a uniform, you’ll represent the best of HPD, honoring those who served and standing tall for those who’ve fallen. What you do matters, because tradition, dignity, and respect never go out of style.
What We Do:
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Represent HPD at funerals, parades, memorials, and official ceremonies
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Train in ceremonial drill, formations, and precision presentation
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Honor fallen officers and their families with dignity
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Serve as the ceremonial face of the department
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Uphold traditions of respect, loyalty, and service
Ideal For:
Officers with high standards for appearance, discipline, and ceremonial presence.
“We stand in silence for those who served with strength.”
Serve with Honor. Join HPD. Become the Future.
Elite on Two Wheels
HPDs Motor Unit is recognized as one of the premier motorcycle teams in the country. Known for their precision, professionalism, and presence, these officers are called upon for high-profile assignments across the region.
What We Do:
The Motor Unit plays a vital role in dignitary motorcades, funerals, parades, and large-scale events like concerts and sports games. They also conduct traffic enforcement, high-visibility patrols, and emergency escorts, ensuring safety and order on Hartford’s busiest roadways. Whether navigating tight city streets or leading ceremonial processions, HPD’s Motor Officers set the standard.
Ideal For:
Officers with high standards for appearance, discipline, and ceremonial presence.
Ride with the Best. Lead from the Front.
Join HPD. Become the Future.
fIREARMS
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Elite Training. Expert Instruction. Real-World Readiness.
The HPD Firearms Range is more than just a place to qualify, it’s a hub for advanced tactical training used by some of the most elite units in the state. Led by Range Master Sgt. John Cavanna and supported by a team of highly experienced firearms instructors, the range serves as the primary training ground for HPD’s Emergency Response Team (SWAT) and is frequently used for dynamic, scenario-based exercises.
This facility isn’t just for Hartford officers. Law enforcement agencies
from across Connecticut send their personnel here to train, particularly
those preparing for SWAT selection or tactical certification. From basic
firearms fundamentals to advanced urban combat drills, the range
provides a professional environment focused on safety, precision,
and tactical excellence.
Whether you’re just starting your law enforcement career or preparing
for high-risk operations, the HPD Firearms Range will challenge you,
sharpen your skills, and set you up for success.
Train to Be Elite. Sharpen Your Skills.
Join HPD. Become the Future.
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Crisis Negotiators are trained to de-escalate volatile situations involving hostages, barricaded suspects, and individuals in crisis. You’ll work closely with mental health professionals to bring situations to a peaceful resolution. This role matters because compassion, patience, and strategy save more lives than force ever could.
What We Do:
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De-escalate high-stakes incidents like barricades, hostages, or suicidal individuals
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Use tactical communication and emotional intelligence
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Partner with SWAT and behavioral health professionals
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Train in active listening and negotiation strategies
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Help bring tense situations to peaceful resolution
Ideal For:
Officers with excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a calm, strategic mindset.
“Your voice can be the difference between tragedy and peace.”
Join Crisis. Join HPD. Become the Future.
