Job Announcement:

West Chester Police Department

Now accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer

$10,000 bonus after 90 days (or upon completion of Act 120)

Starting Salary of $54,000 - $90,000 based on experience

Top Salary for Patrol Officer - $143,000

Written Examination and Physical Agility Tests will take place at: 

Henderson High School, 400 Montgomery Avenue, West Chester, PA 19380

Two test dates will be available: 

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Saturday, March 22, 2025

(Applicants will receive an email to pick their test date after the window to apply has closed.)

The written examination and the physical agility test will BOTH take place on the date the applicant has chosen. The written exam will take place in the morning and then all applicants who pass the written exam with a 70 or higher will report back to the school's athletic field for the physical agility test in the afternoon. 

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The West Chester Police Department offers many opportunities in law enforcement. The department consists of 44 sworn officers which includes our Chief of Police and Administrative Staff, Patrol Division, Community Resource Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, Juvenile Investigations Division, K9 Unit, Bicycle Patrol Unit, Drone Pilots, Narcotics Unit, Defensive Tactics Instructors and Range Instructors.

West Chester Police Department is also the only department in Chester County to have our own full-time, 24-hour dispatch center.

Minimum Qualifications

• Every applicant for the position of Police Officer:
• shall have reached their twenty-first (21st) birthday before the deadline for submitting completed applications.
• shall have graduated from an accredited high school or have an equivalent degree
• shall be physically and psychologically fit for the performance of the duties of a Police Officer
• shall be of good moral character
• shall possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle
• shall be a natural born citizen of the United States, or, in the case of a foreign-born applicant, shall produce evidence satisfactorily showing himself or herself to be a naturalized citizen.
• shall be able to perform the duties and essential functions of the position.

Job Description/General Duties

This position is directly supervised by superior officers with final supervision by the Chief of Police.

The function of the Police Officer is to perform the described duties. All duties are performed in accordance with Borough policies and guidelines. Any problems or questions that may arise are directed to superior officers.

Duties

1. Act intelligently and efficiently and hold himself/herself in readiness, at all times, to answer calls, to obey the orders of superiors and to enforce all laws and ordinances applicable.
2. Held in strict accountability for the good order of his/her beat or post to which assigned.
3. Familiarize himself/herself thoroughly with places of public assembly, official buildings, and with crime and accident-prone areas within assigned area.
4. Prevent the commission of a crime, breach of the peace, and other offenses where possible within the assigned area.
5. Prepare cases for court, attend hearings when scheduled, and testify before courts and grand jury when required.
6. Perform supervisory, administrative, and command functions as directed by senior officer in the absence of said personnel.
7. Keep abreast of and enforce all vehicle codes and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

For these routine duties, the incumbent will be made aware of all deadlines and the normal order they should be completed. In addition, the incumbent will perform tasks necessary for the government, efficiency, and general good conduct of the Police Department.

Requirements

ACT 120 Certification is NOT Required to apply

This position requires a substantial knowledge of all aspects and areas of police protection. The incumbent must have strong leadership and communication skills. The incumbent must be able to deal tactfully and effectively with individuals both on the telephone and in person and negotiate professionally. In addition, the incumbent must satisfy the minimum requirements set forth in the Rules and Regulations of the Civil Service Commission.

Essential Functions

1. The incumbent must be physically able to operate standard office equipment i.e., computers, copy machines, etc.
2. The incumbent must be physically able to patrol on foot and in a police vehicle for extended periods of time.
3. The incumbent must be able to produce and process clear and concise reports.
4. The incumbent must be physically fit and capable of handling people under arrest.
5. The incumbent must be physically able to communicate, interview, interact, and interface with the general public.
6. The incumbent must be able to satisfactorily complete state mandated Act 120 Training and certification.

The job description doesn't imply an employment contract, nor is it intended to include every duty, task or instruction for which the employee is responsible. Other tasks may be assigned, based on business needs and the department supervisor's request.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision
• Generous PTO (Vacation/Sick/Personal)
• Longevity Pay
• Defined Benefit Pension
• Long & Short-Term Disability
• Paid Wellness Bonus

Hiring Process

The hiring process consists of a written examination, physical agility test, oral review board interview, background investigation, and polygraph examination. If a conditional offer of employment is extended, then a medical examination, drug test and psychological examination will be conducted.

To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at West Chester Borough will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. West Chester Borough does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please direct questions regarding this position to sking@west-chester.com