Police Officer Exam Offered

QUESTION:

I understand that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be administering a Civil Service examination for police officers.  What do I need to do to apply? What are the requirements and where can I find more information?

ANSWER:

That is correct. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Division (HRD) has announced that it will be offering an entry level Civil Service examination for police officer, cities and towns and transit police, Massachusetts Bay  Transit Authority.  

The written examination will be held on Saturday, April 30. Informational fliers are available at the or you may apply online at www.mass.gov/civilservice .  

The application deadline is March 15. There is a application fee of $100. Interested persons may apply after March 15, but there is an additional $50 processing fee. Applications will not be accepted after April 1.

The minimum qualifications for police officer applicants are as follows:

• You must be at least 21 years old as of April 30.  
• You must be a non-smoker at the time of and after appointment.
• If you will be 32 or older as of April 30, you will need to obtain and read the detailed examination announcement before applying.
• You must pass a medical and physical ability examination prior to appointment.
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education or three years' experience in the armed forces of the United States with last release or discharge under honorable conditions.

Additional information about the examination, eligibility requirements and the application process is available at the Web site above or Human Resources Division, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. You may also call 617-878-9895 or 1-800-392-6178. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519.  You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com.  Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons.  

Normand A. Crepeau is Grafton's chief of police.