Careers

WPD is currently accepting applications for Certified & Entry Level Police Officers 

Why should you consider joining WPD?

Joining WPD presents several compelling reasons for aspiring law enforcment professionals:

1. Diverse Career Opportunities: WPD offers a wide array of over 20 special assignment positions, providing individuals with opportunities to specialize and grow within their careeers. This variety allows officers to pursue roles that align with their interest and strengths, fostering professional development and job satisfaction. 

2. Competitive Compensation: As one of the highest paid police departments in Connecticut, WPD prioritizes fair and competitive compensation for its officers. This ensures that officers are recognize for their dedication and service, contributing to job stability and financial security.

3. Attractive State Ranking: Connecticut's recognition as the top state in the Northeast and 3rd in the nation for police officers, according to Wallethub.com, highlights the supportive environment and resources available for law enforcement professionals. This ranking reflects positively on the quality of life and career prospects within the state. 

4. Streamlined Recruitment Process: WPD offers a streamlined process specifically designed to accomodate certified officers looking to make a career change or lateral move. This approach simplifies the transition for experienced professionals, making it easier to join the department and contribute their skills effectively.

5. Open Positions for Entry-Level and Certified Officers: WPD is actively seeking applications for both ENTRY-LEVEL position and CERTIFIED officers seeking lateral transfers. This inclusive hiring approach encourages inidviduals at different stages of their law enforcement careers to apply, fostering a diverse and dynamic team evironment.

Joining WPD represents an opportunity to join the ranks of a supportive and progressive law enforcement agency that values career development, offers competitive compensation, and operates in a state recognized for favorable conditions for police officers. If your passionate about law enforcment  and seeking a fullfilling career, WPD provides an ideal oppportunity for you!

Apply Directly

 

A Career In Law Enforcement Starts Here

The Waterbury Police Department is seeking qualified and dedicated individuals to join our ranks. The WPD provides officers a rewarding career path to those seeking to work in a department which provides innovative law enforcement technology, training, opportunities to serve in specialized assignment positions (Mounted Unit,  K-9, SWAT Team, School Resource Officers, Hostage Negotiation Team, etc.) and advance through the ranks into leadership positions.

 

Opportunities Across 20 Specialized Units

 

  • Auto Theft Task Force

  • Bicycle Unit

  • Community Relations Division

  • Computers Crimes Unit

  • Crime Prevention Unit

  • Criminal Investigation Bureau

  • Emergency Response Team

  • Forensics Unit

  • Gang Task Force

  • Hostage Negotiation Team

  • And Many More!

Yearly Entry Level Salary (No Experience)

$72,181.02

Yearly Salary Based on Experience:
$81,014.13 - $91,231.53 (7/1/2024) 
$85,064.84 - $95,793.11 (7/1/2025)

Benefits Include:

  • Expedited Hiring Process

  • Extra Duty Opportunities 

  • Yearly stipend for higher education 

  • Promotional opportunities available after four years of service 

  • Tuition reimbursement  for Criminal Justice Degrees

  • Health Insurance Plans

  • Dental Plans

  • Retirement Pension

  • Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave

Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen

  • 21 Years of Age

  • Possession of a High School Diploma or G.E.D. (Must submit a copy with Application)

  • Background Suitable for Employment as a Police Officer

  • Valid Driver's License

  • Minimum Fitness Requirement

  • Must meet POST-C Requirements

  • Must Submit Credentials Prior upon Submitting Application

See Testing Methods

Testing Methods For Certified Officers

Background/Polygraph Test

Psychological Exam

Medical Exam

Oral Exam

Testing Methods For Entry-Level Officers

Written Exam

Physical Agility

Background/Polygraph Test

Psychological Exam

Medical Exam

Oral Exam

Minimum Requirements For Entry-Level Officers

At a minimum, all candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Also, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen, have a driver's license, and must not have been convicted of a felony criminal charge.  Candidates can be less than 21 years old to apply, but will not be eligible for appointment until their 21st birthday.  Applicants will be required to pass a physical fitness test as part of the hiring process but do not need to pass a physical fitness test to apply.

 

recruit morning run

Waterbury Police Academy

The Waterbury Police Department began its own (POSTC) Satellite Police Academy in 2005.  Since then, the Waterbury Police Academy has graduated over 300 police officers for the Waterbury Police Department and other police agencies throughout the State of Connecticut.

Waterbury's Police Academy is 31 weeks long and combines over 1000 hours of physical, academic and practical training, using current Waterbury Police Officers, officers from other police agencies and civilian instructors to teach police recruits.  After the Police Academy graduation, the new officers are assigned a Field Training Officer (FTO) for an additional 400 hours in a Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP).  There officers are evaluated as they put their newly acquired knowledge and skills to use in real situations. 

Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC) Standards

The City of Waterbury provides basic training of police officers at Waterbury's own Training Division, which houses the Training Academy.  POSTC has enacted several standards as requirements for entrance into the Academy.  

In conjunction with these POSTC Standards, the City of Waterbury Police Department and the Department of Human Resources conduct a background investigation and assessment of candidates for the position of police officer using the testing methods below.  Candidates must successfully complete each component of the process to be eligible for appointment as a police officer.

Download Police Officer Physical Performance Testing Assessment

 

Watch our full length recruitment video

Get to the units you could one day make an impact in and the officers you'd be working alongside. 

Waterbury Native: Sgt. Adrian Sanchez's Story

Lateral Officer Transfer: Officer Edward Klapach's Story

The City of Waterbury Police Department is an equal opportunity employer. Minority applicants are encouraged to apply. You can check the City's online area for application and testing announcements under the City of Waterbury Job Openings page.

START MY CAREER

Additional Questions?

Questions or requests for information can be directed to:

PoliceCareers@waterburyct.org

 Looking for more information?

Contact the Waterbury Police Department with any inquiries, requests for service, information on a crime or to report suspicious activity.

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255 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06702

203-574-6920

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