POLICE OFFICER

MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 55,266 - 110,532; Full time

Job summary

The Muhlenberg Township Police Department is seeking applicants to join its dynamic and dedicated police force. The Township intends to fill several vacant police officer positions based on candidates' drive to excel and desire to positively impact the community they serve.

Applicants must be at least 21, a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma or GED, a PA driver’s license, and meet MPOETC standards, Act 57 requirements, and have no disqualifying criminal record.

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years old by appointment date.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license prior to appointment.
• Meet MPOETC physical and mental fitness standards.
• Pass all requirements of Act 57.
• Not have a disqualifying criminal record.

Responsibilities

• Join the Muhlenberg Township Police Department and support the community as a police officer.
• Participate in Civil Service hiring process including written and oral exams, physical agility test, medical and psychological exams, drug screening, and background investigation.
• Complete required training and recruit through the act 120/certification process as applicable.

Job description

POLICE OFFICER MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Muhlenberg Township Police Department is seeking applicants to join its dynamic and dedicated police force. The Township intends to fill several vacant police officer positions with individuals who have the drive to excel and a desire to positively impact the community they serve.

Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by the time of appointment, be a U.S. citizen, be a high school graduate or possess a GED, have a valid Pennsylvania drivers license prior to appointment, meet Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) physical and mental fitness standards, pass all requirements of Act 57, and not have a disqualifying criminal record.

The Township follows the Civil Service hiring process, which includes written and oral examinations, a physical agility test, medical and psychological examinations, drug screening, and a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph.

The Township offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Applicants who do not possess Act 120 certification will begin at the cadet rate of $55,266.14 while attending the police academy and will receive $88,421.06 upon graduation. Applicants with Act 120 certification and prior police experience may start between $88,421.06 and $99,476.67, depending on qualifications and experience. The highest patrol officer pay rate in 2026 is $110,532.28.

A preliminary application must be completed and returned to the Muhlenberg Township Police Department by 4:00 PM on Friday, August 14, 2026. There is no charge for the written or physical agility tests.

The first phase of testing will be the Nelson-Denny written examination on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Muhlenberg Senior High School, 400 Sharp Ave., Reading, PA 19605. Registration begins at 7:30 AM and testing promptly at 8:00 AM.

Applicants passing the written examination will immediately proceed to the physical agility test at the high school gym. Applicants must present a government-issued photo ID and a medical release clearance form before participating in the physical agility test.

Required forms are available at the Police Department or on the Police Departments web page.

Applicants who successfully complete both tests will receive a full application. Completed applications, accompanied by a $40.00 application fee, must be submitted in person or by certified mail (return receipt requested) by 4:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Automatic disqualifiers include:

• any felony conviction;
• manufacture, distribution, or transportation of a controlled substance or narcotic drug;
• prior use of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, or PCP;
• regular marijuana use within the past three (3) years;
• lying or omitting material facts during the hiring process;
• acts of domestic violence;
• an active Protection From Abuse (PFA) order.

Muhlenberg Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Muhlenberg Township Police Civil Service Board