Police Officer CandidatesThe Dover Police Department is an internationally accredited law enforcement agency, having first attained this significant symbol of professional recognition in March of 1988. At that time, the Dover Police Department was only the 62nd agency in the United States, and the first in New Hampshire, to achieve accredited status. The accrediting body for law enforcement agencies is the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies [CALEA], headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia.
Participation in the process represents a significant commitment to excellence in law enforcement. The attainment of CALEA accredited status identifies the agency as having met the most rigid standards in existence for professional law enforcement agencies.
Benefits of a Career with the Dover Police Department
Officers of the Dover Police Department provide professional law enforcement services to a growing community of approximately 28,000 people. The City of Dover is ideally situated in the southern New Hampshire seacoast area with easy access to major metropolitan and industrial areas, as well as a number of four season recreational areas. The tri-city area has consistently been recognized as one of the best small metropolitan areas in the country. Dover Police officers serve as the sole providers of all emergency and investigative law enforcement services to the community. Regardless of the seriousness and nature of the crime, the agency is equipped to conduct an appropriate and professional investigation. Dover Police personnel receive extensive training and are frequently recognized as experts and leaders within the law enforcement community.
The Dover Police Department offers a highly competitive entry level salary with progressive annual salary increases and educational incentive pay for related college degrees.
-Effective July 1, 2009, the salary range for the rank of police officer is $40,955 - $58,011 (before educational incentives and holiday pay). The State of New Hampshire has no State Income Tax or State Sales Tax.
-Specialized training and promotional opportunities.
-Annual paid vacations and holidays. Extensive health and dental benefit packages provided by the City of Dover. Disability protection in addition to sick leave benefits.
-Uniforms and equipment provided with annual cleaning allowance.
-State of New Hampshire Group II Police retirement system with ½ pay at 20 years and age 45.
Applicant Requirements
Candidates must be US citizens, must be at least 20 years of age and must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent.
-The selection process is highly competitive.
-Candidates that meet the minimum requirements are selected on a competitive basis through a process that includes written testing, oral interviews, psychological testing, polygraph examination, background investigations, fitness and medical testing.
Our Relationship With The Community
We consider our relationship with the community to be of primary importance. As police officers, we recognize that the badge of our office symbolizes a unique trust placed in us by the community that we serve.
All of our efforts have the same goal…to make this a safe and friendly community in which to live. We feel privileged to have been entrusted with that responsibility, and we collectively look forward to meeting the challenges of the upcoming years in a continued partnership with the citizens of Dover.
Professional Growth and Development
Dover police officers serve the community in a variety of assignments. Officers assigned to the Field Operations Division serve as the providers of primary police services to the community and truly represent the backbone of the agency.
Patrol officer duties include, but are not limited to: the investigation and prevention of criminal activity, the enforcement of traffic and criminal law and the provision of emergency and quality of life services to the community As officers develop expertise, additional opportunities for growth and professional development occur.
Officers may be assigned to a number of specialized assignments or functions within the department. Specialized assignments and functions include: Motorcycle Officer, Mounted Officer, Bicycle Patrol, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Special Response Team Member, Detective, Polygraph Operator, Crime Scene Technician, Sniper, Hostage Negotiator, School Resource Officer, Drug Task Force Detective and other assignments.
Application and Testing
The Dover Police Department accepts applications on an open basis. Generally, entry level testing is conducted every three months throughout the year, although special considerations may be made with regard to the testing of certified candidates.
The Dover Police Department participates in a regional testing process.
Great Bay Community College Police Testing Alliance.
Great Bay Community College
Portsmouth Campus
320 Corporate Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-334-6306 voice
603-334-6308 fax
The next entry-level tests are scheduled for:
Saturday, September 19th 2009 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 19th 2009 8:00 a.m.
For additional information, please contact Sergeant Linda Anderson at 603-742-4646.
The City of Dover is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Are you currently a full-time certified police officer?
The Dover Police Department is interested in speaking with you!
Police Officer Candidates
