Berwick Borough Police Department Employment Opportunities

The Berwick Borough Police Department is currently accepting applications for multiple positions. The department utilizes a single application process, and applicants will be evaluated and assigned to the most appropriate hiring pathway based on their qualifications and experience.

Applications for Academy Sponsorship must be received by Friday, August 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon). Testing will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Senator John Gordner Track, located at Salem Elementary School.

Multiple positions are expected to be filled from this process. The Borough reserves the right to close specific hiring pathways as necessary based on departmental needs.

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Employment Pathways

Applicants will be considered for one or more of the following:

Entry-Level Police Officer (Full-Time or Part-Time)

• Act 120 certified or eligible at time of appointment
• Standard Civil Service testing process
• Part-time officers are eligible for promotion to full-time

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Lateral Transfer Police Officer (Full-Time)

• Current Act 120 certification required
• Prior full-time law enforcement experience
• Service time considered for pay and vacation placement
• Must complete Civil Service testing process

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Cadet (Current Act 120 Participant)

• Currently enrolled in a police academy
• Conditional employment may be offered during academy attendance
• Opportunity for compensation during final phase of academy
• Transition to sworn officer upon certification

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Academy Sponsorship

• Not yet enrolled in Act 120 training
• Conditional sponsorship to attend academy
• May include payment of academy, uniforms, and related costs
• Subject to reimbursement agreement if obligations are not met

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Reserve Officer (Part-Time, Non-Promotional)

• ACT 120 certified
• Limited duty, event staffing, and supplemental assignments
• Not eligible for promotion to full-time
• Streamlined hiring process based on department needs

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Application Process

• Single application required for all pathways
• Application fee has been waived
• Applications must be submitted to:
  Berwick City Hall
  c/o Civil Service Commission
  1800 North Market Street
  Berwick, PA 18603
• Required forms (Informed Consent & Medical Release) must be completed prior to testing

Applicants will be reviewed and assigned to the appropriate hiring category upon submission.

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Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• United States citizen
• Valid driver’s license
• Physically and mentally fit for duty
• Act 120 certification or ability to obtain certification (depending on pathway)
• Must be 21 years of age prior to appointment
• Applicants age 19+ with prior paid public safety experience may apply

Applicants may be disqualified in accordance with Civil Service rules and Act 57 requirements.

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Testing & Selection Process

Testing requirements vary slightly based on pathway, but may include:

• Physical Agility Test
• Written Examination
• Oral Examination
• Background Investigation
• Polygraph Examination

Scoring (Entry-Level & Lateral Applicants)

• Written Examination: 70%
• Oral Examination: 30%
• Physical Agility, Background, and Polygraph: Pass/Fail

Reserve and Cadet/Sponsorship applicants may be evaluated under modified standards based on role and department needs.

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Physical Agility & Written Testing

Physical Agility Test

Date / Time / Location: TBD

• MPOETC Obstacle Course (Entry-Level, Lateral, Reserve)

• Academy Fitness Standards (Sponsorship applicants)

Written Examination

Date / Time: TBD

• Conducted at Berwick City Hall
• Administered following successful completion of physical agility

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Salary & Benefits

Competitive Salary Structure 

• Entry-Level (FTO): $53,570.14
• Post-FTO: $56,213.38
• Year 2: $60,622.35
• Year 3: $69,634.59
• Year 4: $78,649.31

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Benefits Package

• Teamsters Local 764 Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective immediately)
• Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
• $35,000 Life Insurance
• 13 Holidays, 1 Personal Day, 15 Sick Days (Year 1)
• Up to 5 Weeks Vacation (based on service)
• Comp Time and Shift Flexibility

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Additional Opportunities

• Take-home vehicles (based on assignment)
• Specialty units:
  • Detective Division
  • SWAT
  • Narcotics
  • K-9 Unit
  • USMS Fugitive Task Force
  • County Drug Task Force
  • Training Instructor / FTO
• Specialized training opportunities
• On-site gym, locker room, and sauna
• Professional appearance standards (tattoos/facial hair permitted within policy)

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Department Overview

• Full-service municipal police department
• Authorized strength: 16 full-time sworn officers
• Serves approximately 10,000 residents
• Coverage area: 3.25 square miles

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Requirements Upon Hire

• Successful completion of medical and psychological examinations
• Must reside within 25 air miles of the Borough within 6 months of completing probation

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Equal Opportunity Employer

The Borough of Berwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Male standards (Academy Sponsorship Only)

Female standards (Academy Sponsorship Only)