Police Officer

Newark Police Department; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 88,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Take-home car

Full fitness center access

Reimbursement for fitness events

Wellness incentives

Life insurance options

Annual clothing/cleaning allowance

Degree incentives after years of seriv

Job summary

The Newark Police Department is seeking candidates for police officer positions in Newark, Delaware. The salary begins at 87,505 while attending the academy and during the first year of service, rising to 96,774 after four years and reclassification to Corporal.

The top end exceeds 140,792 annually, with annual 3–4% raises and potential increases per contract. For lateral officers, starting pay ranges from 87,505 to 118,059 depending on prior sworn service and certification.

Job description

Salary & Fringe Benefits

Starting salary for a Newark police officer is $87,505 while attending the police academy and through the end of the first year of service. The salary rises to $96,774 after completion of four years of service and reclassification to the rank of Corporal. Salary range tops out at over $140,792 per year unless promoted to a higher rank. Annual step raises, varying between 3 - 4 %, are given throughout your career, plus any additional raises negotiated by contract. The starting salary for a lateral officer (already a certified police officer) will depend on the number of years of prior service as a sworn police officer. The current range for this starting salary is $87,505 - $118,059. Ample overtime opportunities at time and a half pay.

Hiring Bonus

No prior police service: The City will provide a $10,000 hiring bonus to new hires who do not qualify for the Prior Sworn Police Officer bonus detailed below.

Prior Sworn Police Officers: The City will provide a $20,000 hiring bonus to new hires who are Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission ("POST") certified police officers (who have completed at least 4 years of sworn service at a Delaware police agency in compliance with 11 Del C. § 8409) OR are Delaware police academy exempt based on their police certification in another state. The determination of academy exemption is made by the Delaware POST after submission of training records. The hiring bonus is payable upon completion of field training (approximately 9-12 months after date of hire for non-certified officers and 6-12 weeks after Delaware certification for certified officers).

Fringe Benefits Information

• Health - 100% paid for employee. For dependents, the employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
• Dental (including orthodontics) - 100% paid for employee. For dependents, the employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
• Vision - 100% paid for employee. For dependents, the employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
• Take-home car (residence must be located within 25 miles of the city limits for this benefit)
• Use of a full fitness center within the police department and an option for reimbursement of membership fees at outside fitness centers
• Reimbursement for participation in fitness events (5k runs, marathons, etc.)
• Paid wellness incentives
• Life insurance options
• Annual clothing and/or cleaning allowance
• After achieving 3 years of service, an annual payment of $1,000 for possession of a Bachelor's Degree and $1,250 for possession of an advanced degree

Full Pension Benefits

The Newark Police Department participates in the State of Delaware County and Municipal Police/Firefighter Pension plan. This pension plan provides full pension benefits after 20 years of service at 50% of the average of the highest 36 months of salary. Employees earn an additional 3.5% service credit each year after 20 years of service. Retirement is mandatory at age 55. Employees are also entitled to disability and death benefits. Full details about the plan can be found here. The City also provides a Retirement Health Savings Plan to which both the City and the Employee contribute. These funds can be used upon retirement to pay for health benefits.

Time-Off & Leave

• 13 paid holidays annually - An officer required to work on a holiday receives additional pay and time off
• 2 weeks of paid vacation after 1 year of service
• 3 weeks of paid vacation after 5 years of service
• 4 weeks of paid vacations after 10 years of service
• 5 weeks of paid vacation after 15 years of service
• 5.5 weeks of paid vacation after 20 years of service

Employees accumulate 10 hours per month of sick time. In addition, an annual sick time bonus of 24 hours is provided to officers who utilize minimal sick time. After reaching 720 hours of accumulated sick time, the City buys back the excess sick time on a yearly basis. The City also provides leave for emergencies, bereavement, military and service on jury duty.

Additional Benefits

• Full salary during attendance at the police academy and provides all necessary academy equipment
• Paid attendance at additional police training beyond the academy
• Payment for tuition and books towards a Bachelor's Degree
• All required uniforms and equipment are provided.

There are no residency restrictions for Newark police officers.

All sworn police officers receive a take home car.