Portsmouth - Lateral Certified Police Officer

Job Overview

Department Portsmouth Police Department
TypeCertified
Job TitleLateral Certified Police Officer
Salary$61,614 - $86,273
Deadline Jan 1, 2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Contactevansh@portsmouthnhpd.gov
Location Portsmouth, NH
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Job Announcement

Portsmouth Police Department, NH Police JobsPortsmouth NH Police Department
Now Hiring 

LATERAL POLICE OFFICERS

Candidates must be 21 years of age at time of hire, pass a physical agility test, oral board, psychological exam, polygraph exam and medical physical, as well as an extensive background investigation.  (Please do not apply to this lateral position if you are not currently certified or have not attended a full-time police academy). 

The City of Portsmouth, NH is consistently rated as one of the top ten places in America to live and raise a family. The Police Department is proud of the fact that our contribution to Portsmouth’s superior quality of life and relatively low crime rate plays a significant role in this determination. The Portsmouth Police Department, much like the City itself, is a vibrant and dynamic organization. We offer qualified candidates an opportunity to join the ranks of a premier law enforcement agency that has established a 150-year history of dedicated and professional service to the community. We invite you to consider a career in law enforcement and challenge you to join the men and women of the Portsmouth Police Department in upholding the highest standards of professional excellence through service to the community and the people we serve.

The City of Portsmouth is located on New Hampshire’s Seacoast, midway between Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. History abounds in Portsmouth and the city is rich in architectural heritage. This heritage is probably best exemplified by Strawbery Banke, a living maritime community museum, and by Portsmouth’s picturesque landscape and architecture. Portsmouth is also home to approximately 30,000 people, major industry, an international airport, and a strong economy.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS/TEAMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Bike Patrol
  • Street Crimes Unit
  • FTO Program
  • Firearms Program
  • Detectives 
    Emergency Response Team
  • Honor Guard
  • Police K-9 
  • Motorcycle Patrol
  • Narcotics Unit
  • Drone Unit

 

CITY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Dental Insurance •
  • NH Retirement System
  • Annual Vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • Funeral Leave
  • Personal Days
  • Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Police Relief Association
  • In-house Fitness Room
  • Educational Assistance

 

What disqualifies a candidate from becoming a police officer with the Portsmouth Police Department?

With directive from the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, a candidate will NOT be eligible if they have:

  • Any willful misrepresentations, omissions, or falsifications during the application, hiring, or background process.
  • Used marijuana within 12 months;
  • Illegally used a controlled substance, other than marijuana, within 36 months; unless the applicant was under 21 years of age at the time of use, in which case 24 months shall apply;
  • Manufactured, transported for sale, or sold a controlled substance for profit;
  • Used a controlled substance while employed in a law enforcement capacity;
  • Has ever been dishonorably discharged from the military service;
  • Has been discharged from the military service under other than honorable conditions, where the circumstances demonstrate a lack of good moral character;
  • Been convicted of a felony; and/or
  • Been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty, unlawful sexual conduct, physical violence, controlled substances, moral turpitude, or any offense which would cause a reasonable person to doubt the applicant’s character, honesty, or ability.

    For more specific information, visit part 301 of the following website: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/pol.html

 

 AA/EOE

 

Please direct questions regarding this position to evansh@portsmouthnhpd.gov


Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.

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