East Hartford Police Department

The Town of East Hartford Police Department is Hiring

Who We Are Looking For:

Guided by our commitment to “Serving Our Community with Pride and Integrity,” we believe policing is more than just responding to calls. We believe policing is about building trust, strengthening relationships, and standing together with the community we serve. Every day we work in partnership with residents, businesses, schools, and local organizations to promote a safer, stronger East Hartford.

The East Hartford Police Department is actively recruiting for both entry level and certified police officers. We are seeking individuals who:

· Want to make a meaningful difference, individuals who lead with character and understand that trust is earned every day.

· Recognize that modern policing requires continual training, accountability, compassion, and strong community connections.

· Yearn for something that is not just a job, but a calling rooted in purpose, service, and integrity.

· Embrace challenges while holding themselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.

· Like to work in an environment where employee wellness, professional development, and advancement opportunities are valued.

· Possess the skill, character, and commitment necessary to serve with excellence.

If you are ready to meet the challenge and serve the East Hartford community with Pride and Integrity, we invite you to step forward and join our team.

Position Wages and Benefits:

Pay:

·Salary $67,365 - $81,531

 (Including 7% Annual Lump Sum Holiday Compensation,  $72,435 - $87,668)

Health Benefits:

· Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision HDHP with HSA Plan

· Town contributes 50% of seed money into HSA account

· An additional $250 wellness incentive available annually toward seed money

Schedule:

· 4/3 Schedule (4 days on, 3 consecutive days off)

· Annual shift bidding process, set schedule for full year

Paid Time Off:

· Up to 5 weeks of Vacation Days and 15 Sick Days accruable annually; 5 accruable Earned PTO Days annually with good attendance; accruable Compensatory Time

Retirement Plan:

· 58.25% of final average salary, which includes an average of your best 3 years of wages plus up to 15 weeks of sick time included in calculation, at 25 years of service, and up to 70% of final average salary at 30 years of service

· Deferred Retirement Option Plan (D.R.O.P.) years 25 - 30

· 1% Cost of Living increase for pension benefits starting in the 7th year of retirement

· 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan available

Other annual benefits:

· $850 annual clothing allowance

· College Degree Incentives of $250 - $750 annually and Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Career Growth Opportunities:

· Tactical Response Team (SWAT) and Tactical Negotiators

· Community Service Officers

· Honor Guard

· Marine Unit and Dive Team

· K9 Unit

· Motors Unit

· Bicycle Unit

· Traffic Unit

· Crash Investigations Unit

· Federal Task Force Officer Positions

· Peer and Crisis Intervention Teams

· School Resource Officers

· Criminal Investigations Division

About Us

The East Hartford Police Department is an internationally accredited police agency recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and has proudly been awarded Tier III accreditation by the State of Connecticut. We have a budgeted strength of 126 police officers and 37 civilian employees; making the East Hartford Police Department the largest law enforcement agency east of the Connecticut River. Our department boasts many specialized units and advancement opportunities, modern equipment and training, and a strong commitment to work life balance.

Chief’s Message

” As Chief, I am proud to lead a department built on service, integrity, and professionalism. Our mission is rooted in protecting those we serve while building trust through accountability, respect, and transparency. We are seeking individuals of strong character and sound judgment who are motivated to serve our community. Policing is more than a profession; it is a calling. It requires dedication, compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. If you are looking for a meaningful career where you can make a lasting impact on public safety and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community, I invite you to consider joining our team. Together, we can serve with pride and integrity.”

Police Chief Mack S. Hawkins