Letter To Patch: Salem Police 'Alternative Pathway' For Hiring Officers

This is a letter to Patch from Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller:

SALEM, MA — Massachusetts recently updated its Civil Service laws, allowing Civil Service departments like Salem to hire civilians without having to take the Civil Service Municipal Police Officer Examination. Civil service has created an "alternative hiring pathway" allowing qualified candidates to apply directly through our department and go through a selection process. Candidates hired through this alternative pathway will still be provided with the protections through the Civil Service system.

Basic qualifications include: must be a U.S. Citizen at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and fulfill all Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission certification requirements as required by MGL Chapter 6E § 4 and be eligible to attend a Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) certified police academy.

As part of this alternative hiring pathway, applications are also being accepted from individuals who are currently serving as police officers in Massachusetts or from out of state. Candidates must have attended a police academy that meets MPTC standards and/or be eligible for a waiver. If a similar state certification body such as POST exists in the candidate’s locale, they must furnish proof of certification.

All applicants will be subject to an extensive background investigation, medical examination, psychological screening, and undergo an oral board interview. Applicants must possess solid problem-solving, verbal and written communication skills.

The current salary range is $68,634.00 to $76,000.00 based on 5 pay steps. The City of Salem offers an excellent benefits package, which includes holiday pay, longevity, senior/ master/veteran pay, night differential, and other stipends. Education stipends include 10% of base pay for an associate’s degree, 20% for a bachelor’s and 25% for a master’s degree.

The Salem Police Department is a member of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and is accredited through the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). The Department hosts a variety of specialized units such as K9, Dive Team, Honor Guard, Drone Unit, Bike Unit, Community Impact Unit (CIU) and Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Lieutenant Robert Lubas at rlubas@salempd.net. Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2025.

This is a unique opportunity to join the ranks of the Salem Police Department and I encourage those interested in a career in law enforcement to apply through both the conventional civil service exam as well as the alternative hiring pathway. The Salem Police Department does not discriminate with regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age or marital status; and is committed to a merit-based hiring system that develops excellent police officers that reflect the diversity of our community.