At the Cambridge Police Department, community policing is part of our culture and one that views community engagement, rather than response to specific crimes or incidents, as the core of our police work. Many of the issues  officers face are community problems in need of a solution often best achieved outside of the criminal justice system. This is reflected in our nationally renowned Safety Net Collaborative and Homeless Court Sessions, as examples. By hearing and understanding the causes of community concern, dedicated and compassionate officers find workable, sustainable, and cost-effective resolutions to issues as minor as a noise disturbance or as complex as a mass protest. Our officers are often viewed as partners in continual touch with the communities they serve. This requires officers who are adept at fostering relationships and building connections between people and groups. Officers should come prepared to think and solve problems with a broad community and be connected with the community in a way that facilitates their ability to collect, analyze, and share critical information and resources.

Requirements

The state holds a civil service exam every two years to become an officer. The next exam will take place in June 2021. The application date deadline is April 20, 2021. There is an additional $50 late fee for applications received after this date. Applications will not be accepted after May 4, 2021.

To become a police officer, you need to first take a written test. You also need to meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 19 years of age on the date of the exam.*
• You need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. You can also satisfy this requirement with three years of military service and an honorable discharge.
• To claim residency preference, you must be a Cambridge resident (lived in the city) at least one year before the date of your exam. Please see the below for those active in the military. 
• You must meet minimum fitness requirements. A fitness test measures a candidate’s overall level of fitness through structured activities that assess strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health. With enough training and determination, anyone can achieve success.

* You can take the written exam when you turn 19, but you won't be considered for a position until you turn 21.

Military Residency Preference

For military personnel who were on full-time active duty during any part of or the entire 12-month period required to establish residency in Cambridge, you may still be eligible to claim residency preference if you meet the following conditions:

• You must have served a period of full-time military active duty (for which you received or will receive a DD214) during any part of the 12 month period. 
• You must have been a Massachusetts Resident at the time of entry into full-time active duty or your Home of Record on your DD214 for this period of active duty must be a city or town in Massachusetts.
• See more at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/residency-preference.
   

Registration

To register to take the civil service exam to become a police officer, you need to create an account online. The state's website has more information about the Civil Service exam.

Civil Service Application

The early application fee for the exam is $100 and the final application date fee is $150. You can pay on the state’s website with a credit or debit card. 

Fee Waiver

The exam fee may be waived for candidates receiving certain state or federal public aid, or unemployment insurance. You can find fee waiver forms in the applicant forms section of the state's website. The examination information hotline is 617-878-9895. You can also visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/exam-fee-waiver-form. 
 

Prepare

To prepare for the exam, you can study the state’s guide for the police officer exam. The Cambridge Police hosts a free exam preparation session for Cambridge residents. During this course, you will learn about the entrance examination process, physical abilities test, interview experience, and academy training to assist you in becoming a Cambridge Police Officer. You will receive the Barron’s Police Officer Exam Preparation Guide  as well as PowerPoint slides from the seminar to aid you in studying.  

To secure your spot at the seminar, please e-mail personnel@cambridgepolice.org. Participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. On the day of the seminar, you will be required to provide proof of Cambridge residency.  

The state will email you a notice with the date of the test. It's a good idea to show up early. You can also bring your own number 2 pencils for the exam.

Apply During Open Hiring Period:

If you pass the exam, you'll be able to apply to the Cambridge Police Department during an open police recruiting period.

BENEFITS

A career with the Cambridge Police Department offers a very competitive salary and benefits package.

The starting annual wage for a Cambridge Police Officer is $50,600. That base salary is augmented by a variety of special pays, including:
 

• Shift differential pay for time worked on nights, weekends and/or holidays,
• Longevity pay based on years of service,
• Overtime and court time for duty beyond the standard schedule,
• Periodic equipment allowances, and
• Degrees, special training and language skills.

Cambridge Police Officers also enjoy benefits, retirement packages, and insurance coverage options that meet and often exceed those offered by private employers, including a schedule of working 4 days on and 2 days off, 24/7 access to a fitness center, and policing in a vibrant City that is home to two of the finest institutions in the country and is highly supportive of its police department.