Vernon Police Department

Current Openings

ABOUT US

The first organized police department in Vernon, CT was established in 1890 and was known as the Rockville Police Department. At the time of its creation, only four men made up the force. Law enforcement in rural Vernon was the responsibility of local constables.

In 1965, the Rockville Police Department and the Vernon constables consolidated and the Vernon Police Department was established. Today, over fifty highly trained officers are dedicated to providing the best service and protection to the citizens of Vernon.

DIVISIONS

The Vernon Police Department is made up of sworn personnel, dispatchers, and civilian employees. Sworn Personnel include patrol officers, detectives, canine officers, SWAT/CREST officers, and school resource officers.

A CALL TO SERVICE

Few careers offer more opportunities for self-fulfillment than service as a police officer.

What is the job of a police officer? Is it crime fighting? Service provider? Homeland security agent? Peacekeeper? Mental health worker? Community problem solver? The answer is "Yes." Today's police officer must perform all of these tasks on a daily basis. While the stereo-typical job of crime fighting is an essential role, it is not the most prevalent, and in the view of many, not the most important.

Odds are, as a police officer, you will spend far more time engaged in problem solving issues and services. Those who are looking for a career filled with the type of daily edge-of-your-seat excitement depicted on television will be disappointed. While the dangers of the job are real, and you will be expertly trained to respond to any situation, the heart of policing lies in daily interactions with citizens.

Today, the focus of police work has shifted from crime fighting to a more community oriented style of policing and problem solving. Sometimes through the problem solving process we are able to determine the problem is not a police matter or "solve" the problem without the need for criminal arrests.

Policing is a job that will bring out the best in you and make you more than you are right now. It is a job with serious responsibilities, but the reward is having a job that really counts. Policing will ask a lot of you, but it will give you so much in return.

BENEFITS

Click HERE to review the sworn police officer collective bargaining agreement

Click HERE to review the civilian employee collective bargaining agreement

Message from the Police Chief,

I would like to welcome you to the on-line application site for the Vernon Police Department.  The Town of Vernon is located in Tolland County yet maintains ties to the Capitol Region.  The Vernon Police Department serves a population of approximately 30,000 and covers 18 sq. miles.  The Vernon Police Department currently has an authorized strength of 50 uniformed officers and detectives, 9 civilian dispatchers, 4 records staff, one mechanic and a part time evidence custodian.

Specialty assignments within the Vernon Police Department include; Field Training Officer, Honor Guard, Traffic Services, DARE, Statewide Narcotics Task Force, Bicycle Patrol, School Resource Officer, Community Policing Office, Capital Region Emergency Service Team (SWAT), K-9 officers, Drone, and accident reconstruction.

The department has a strong focus on community policing and working with many civic groups to provide a safe environment for our residents.  The department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity in our work force. 

If you believe that you have what it takes to meet the high standards of the Vernon Police Department, then I encourage you to complete our application.

Good Luck and Stay Safe!

John Kelley

Chief of Police