Police Officers - Full-time and Part-time

Job Type: Full-time
Department: POLICE
Division: POLICE BIWEEKLY
Nantucket Police Department
Police Officer
Overview: The Nantucket Police Department is a full-service agency that is responsible for four major public safety functions; Police, Emergency Communications (Dispatch), Harbormaster, and Business Licensing/Permitting. The department has 43 full-time sworn officers, 11 Communications employees, 7 administrative staff, and 5 Harbor Master Division staff. In the busy summer months, our staff size increases with the addition of 40 non-sworn Community Service Officers and 60 lifeguards. The department has opportunities for officers to join our specialty units (Detectives, Animal Control, School Resource Officer, Motorcycle Unit, and Downtown Resource Officer) after just 1 year on the job. Officers work on the Pitman schedule to offer community support and protection 24/7. The members of the department work hard in their respective areas of expertise to ensure that visitors and residents alike are safe and enjoy their time here on the island.
The Nantucket Police Department is a non-civil service agency and we do not require a written test. We accept applications on a rolling basis and, when a position becomes vacant, we review applications and conduct interviews.
Requirements: All Nantucket Police Officers must meet specific requirements:

Citizen
Salary: As of July 1, 2026, the hourly pay range is $44.30 to $59.29 ($91,439.47-$122,364.86). Officers with an Associate's Degree, may earn an additional $600-$5,000 per year and those with a Bachelor's Degree, may earn an additional $1,200-$10,000, both depending on years of service
Overtime: Overtime is available.
Health Insurance: The Town pays 90% of the cost of health insurance and the employees only pay 10%.
Holidays: Employees get 14 paid holidays each calendar year. Personal Days: Employees may use up to 24 hours of personal time each year.
A Patrol Officer shall be responsible for the efficient performance of required duties in conformance with the directives contained in this Manual.

Duties shall consist of, but are not necessarily limited to, a number of general police responsibilities necessary to the stability and safety of the community. Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and, where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings.
Identify problems that are potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems.
Create and maintain a feeling of security in the community.
Work various night shifts, holidays and be available for emergency call back while off-duty at any time.
Exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office and be accountable to superior officers. Coordinate efforts with those of other members of the Department so that teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives.
Communicate to superiors and to fellow officers information obtained which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives.
Maintain weapons and equipment in a functional, presentable condition.
Assist citizens requesting assistance or information. Courteously explain any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the Police Department and suggest other procedures to be followed.
Answer questions asked by the general public, counsel juveniles and adults when necessary and refer them to persons and agencies where they can obtain further assistance.
Serve or deliver warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed by a superior officer.
Confer with court prosecutors and testify in court.
Patrol an assigned area for general purposes of crime prevention and law enforcement. Such familiarity includes knowledge of residents, merchants, businesses, roads, alleyways, paths, etc. The location of fire boxes, telephones and other emergency services should be noted.
Apprehending person violating the law or wanted by the police.
Completing detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle accidents and other incidents requiring police attention. Public assembly checks
Building security checks.
Being alert for and reporting fires.
Render first aid, when qualified, to persons who are seriously ill or injured. Assist persons needing police services.

Remain on patrol throughout the tour of duty except when a police emergency necessitates a temporary absence, or when an Officer-in-Charge or the Dispatcher has issued authorization for a temporary absence.

Inspect the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects or missing equipment. Immediately report all defects and damages sustained to the vehicle to the proper authority and complete all reports and forms required by current procedures.
Remove the keys whenever the patrol car is left unattended for any reason.
Use the call number assigned to the car for identification purposes.
Radio Operation
~ Keep radio equipment in operation at all times and be thoroughly familiar with departmental policy concerning use of the radios. Notify the Officer-in-Charge if more than a temporary absence from regular duties is required.

A minimum of two of the following criteria is required for any applicant to be considered for employment as a police officer with the Nantucket Police Department.
Prior work experience with the Nantucket Police Department in a summer, reserve or other part-time capacity.
Completion of an approved police academy and certified as a full-time police officer.
Resident of Nantucket.
In addition to the above requirements, any applicant who meets at least two of the above criteria shall also complete all application forms and provide any additional information as instructed during the application process. Any applicant who fails to complete the require application forms or provide requested additional information may be summarily rejected.

Ability to reason and react quickly in a rapidly changing environment. Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations very helpful. Must have ability to work and deal pleasantly with co-works and the public, both in person and by telephone in a courteous and tactful manner. Must have ability to accurately record and maintain records and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Must be able to fire various weapons. Must be able to type and operate various types of office equipment, including but not limited to telephone, computer, facsimile machine, and copy machine.

Only those candidates who meet the minimum physical and psychological qualifications shall be considered for a position as a police officer.

Police officer candidates shall meet all of the minimum criteria for physical standards for police officer as promulgated by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Personnel Administration.
Police Officer candidates must pass a psychological exam conducted by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist selected by the Department.
Police Officer candidates must not have any criminal history or history of any other questionable activity which would preclude the Department from placing the candidate in an area of responsibility.
The Town offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees serving our community including medical (with 90% Employer's contribution), dental care, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, cancer insurance, Flexible spending health and dependent care plan options, paid time off (PTO), as well as retirement pension and 457-deferred compensation retirement plans as an additional way to save towards retirement.