Police Officer

Upper Darby Township Police Department; Garrettford (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Upper Darby Township Police Department is seeking a full-time Police Officer to patrol, respond to calls, and conduct investigations in a diverse community served by a large, multilingual population.

The role emphasizes community engagement, strict adherence to ethical standards, and teamwork with fellow officers. Candidates must meet state and department certifications and pass required evaluations.

Qualifications

• Law enforcement knowledge and operations.
• Ability to conduct criminal investigations including interviewing and report writing.
• Evidence handling according to legal and departmental standards.
• Eligibility to serve as police officer with required certifications.
• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework preferred.
• Pass background, medical and psychological evaluations, and fitness tests.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills in a diverse community.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to maintain public safety and enforce laws.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls; conduct traffic stops.
• Engage in proactive crime prevention and community outreach.
• Perform initial and follow-up criminal investigations; collect and preserve evidence.
• Prepare detailed reports and testify in court as needed.
• Collaborate with other officers and agencies; follow department procedures.
• Maintain professionalism and sound judgment under all circumstances.

Skills

Law enforcement basics

Criminal investigations

Evidence handling

Police certification

Shift work

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Criminal justice studies preferred

Job description

Company Description

The Upper Darby Township Police Department, founded in 1906, is a full-service agency with 138 sworn officers and 25 civilian staff supporting daily operations and community engagement. The department serves a diverse community of more than 87,000 residents where over 60 languages are spoken and an estimated 70 countries are represented. Its mission is to partner with community members to enhance quality of life, increase public safety, and reduce crime through professional law enforcement services delivered with honor and integrity. Under the leadership of Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt, a highly decorated commander, the department emphasizes innovation, communication, and trust-building, including initiatives such as the Racial Intelligence Program for officers. Applicants can expect a culture focused on collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong community relationships.

Role Description

This full-time, on-site Police Officer role is based in Upper Darby Township and involves maintaining public safety and enforcing local, state, and federal laws. Day-to-day responsibilities include patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, conducting traffic stops, and engaging in proactive crime prevention. Police Officers will perform initial and follow-up criminal investigations, collect and preserve evidence, prepare detailed reports, and testify in court when required. The role also includes building positive relationships with community members, participating in outreach initiatives, and collaborating with other officers, departments, and agencies. Officers are expected to exercise sound judgment, follow departmental policies and procedures, and uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.

Qualifications

• Strong foundational knowledge of law enforcement practices, including experience or training in Law Enforcement and Police operations.
• Ability to conduct Criminal Investigations, including interviewing, report writing, and case follow-up.
• Competence in handling and preserving Evidence in accordance with legal and departmental standards.
• Eligibility and commitment to serve as Police Officers, including meeting all state and departmental certification requirements.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or degree in criminal justice or related field preferred.
• Ability to pass background checks, medical and psychological evaluations, and physical fitness standards.
• Strong communication, de-escalation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse community.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational needs require.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.