How To Become A New Haven Police Officer
The Process:
The application period for the position of Police Officer has closed at this time.
When the next recruitment cycle begins, a Special Application Packet will be available on this website for download along with details on where to return all required forms.
For specific questions, please call City of New Haven Human Resources at (203) 946-8252.
Department of Police Service:
The New Haven Police Department (NHPD), a progressive, decentralized community-based police agency, takes great pride in the achievements of its sworn and civilian staff members, as well as in the department's pioneering role in developing ongoing police-community partnerships. Our focus is on solving problems in New Haven's many different neighborhoods before they escalate into senseless crime and violence. We are interested in attracting applicants who have demonstrated commitment to the community, want to help prevent crime, arrest those who violate the law, and reduce fear and disorder throughout the city.
Ideal Applicants Will Have:
- A history of community service.
- Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent communication skills in Spanish; familiarity with or ability to learn more than one language highly desirable.
- Mature and innovative approaches to collaborating with citizens on neighborhood issues;
- New Haven residency.
- Community/technical college or university background and/or significant work experience.
- Computer proficiency.
- Respect for and ability to work well with colleagues and citizens regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, age, or personal beliefs.
- Enthusiasm for hard and rewarding work.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under stress.
Minimum Requirements Are:
- Twenty-one years of age (there is no upper age limit).
- Must have good English written and verbal skills.
- Must have at least a high school diploma or GED, although additional education and work experience are strongly preferred.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- No felony, Class A or B misdemeanor convictions, including convictions involving domestic violence situations.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a valid Connecticut license upon graduation from the academy.
- Residence within 20 miles of New Haven upon graduation from the academy.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Comprehensive medical coverage for each officer and his/her family.
- Competitive starting salary.
- Generous twenty-year retirement plan.
- Paid life insurance policy.
- Twelve paid holidays.
- Paid vacation.
- Uniforms and equipment provided.
- University tuition reduction and competitive scholarships available.
About The Academy:
The New Haven Police Academy is located at 710 Sherman Parkway in New Haven. Its program and faculty are fully certified by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. New recruits attend the academy for approximately six months. Proficiency in a wide variety of subject areas is required, with 80% being the minimum passing grade. The academy training includes a broad range of academic instruction and preparation for a career in police service. Physical agility and chain of command are also taught and monitored regularly. Community field placements, and term projects are also part of the required curriculum. Rigorous personal and ethical standards are upheld and the ethical, emotional and suitability standards of all students are routinely monitored and evaluated by academy staff. Report cards are issued regularly. Upon successful completion of the academy, graduates continue the probationary process in the department’s Field Training Officer (FTO) Program for approximately 16 weeks. Probationary officers are matched with a series of experienced FTO’s in a structured teaching and mentoring on-the-job evaluation program.
