Employment Opportunities

Jaffrey Police Cruiser
Jaffrey Police Cruiser

Interested in joining our team?

We are recruiting for full and part-time officer positions.  The following is meant to describe our agency, provide a general description of basic duties and responsibilities of a police officer, and describe the hiring and training process.

Introduction:

The Town of Jaffrey is seeking noble men and women to serve as Police Officers in our tight-knit community.  

Jaffrey is located at the base of Mount Monadnock in the southwest corner of New Hampshire.  With approximately 5,500 residents, Jaffrey’s three sparkling lakes, rolling countryside, and village greens make this the quintessential small New England town.  Just 15 miles from the City of Keene and a ninety-minute drive to Boston, Jaffrey offers outstanding opportunities for recreation, education, and commerce in a safe and healthy environment.    

The Jaffrey Police Department is a full-time police department staffed 24-hours a day by a minimum of two officers.  We are allocated for eleven full-time officers, three part-time officers, and a civilian Office Manager.  Teamwork and comradery are essential for us to accomplish our mission. 

The Police Department’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Town of Jaffrey.  To that end, the department pledges to uphold our core values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, and Respect to provide effective police services in a professional, courteous, and equitable manner.  Safety, customer service, and the professional development of all employees are the priorities of the Police Chief. 

Although the Jaffrey Police Department does not have specialized units such as Narcotics, Homicide, Robbery, and Burglary, we pride ourselves on being a well-rounded department, giving all officers the training and skills necessary to handle a wide array of incidents, investigations, and crimes. 

Benefits of Service:

The Jaffrey Police Department is fortunate to serve a community that values our employees and supports our mission.  Because of that we are able to offer a very competitive salary range with an outstanding benefits package as compared to most other agencies in the region.  This aids in our recruitment efforts and more importantly in our ability to retain quality employees.  Benefits of service include:   

  • Attractive starting salary for uncertified candidates of $60,612.86 (2024) during training with an increase to $62,451.58 (2024) on receipt of certification.  There are eight additional pay grades spaced out over 8 years with a top patrol officer salary of $83,001.98 (2024). Candidates that already possess a full-time police certification start at $62,451.58 (2024) with the possibility of advanced placement in the pay structure up to $68,292.22 (2024), depending on experience, upon completion of the 12-month probation period.
  • Cost of living increases averaging at least 2% are typically provided each year on top of the above-mentioned pay scale.  This is not a guaranteed benefit as it is a negotiated item as part of a collective bargaining agreement. 
  • 12 sick days earned per year with 90-day cap. Option to received payment of 75% of sick leave at time of retirement with at least 10 years of service to the department.
  • One-week vacation to start - increases on a graduated scale to 5 weeks after 15 years of service.
  • All equipment and uniforms provided to officers.
  • Tuition reimbursement (graduated scale).
  • Yearly college education incentive.
  • Yearly physical fitness incentive.
  • Paid membership to physical fitness facility.
  • Overtime after 8 hours worked and double-time and a half on holidays.
  • Holiday and Vacation time count as time worked.
  • 11 paid holidays.
  • 4-hour overtime minimum for court proceedings.
  • Detail rate equal to Lieutenant overtime rate.
  • Comp time offered and allowed.
  • Participation in the New Hampshire Public Safety Retirement system.
  • Union Contract guaranteeing described benefits.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

The basic role of a police officer in the Town of Jaffrey is to protect and serve our community, our citizens, and our guests.  Fundamentally, this includes protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, proactively deterring crime, investigating crimes, and apprehending and prosecuting suspects.

As with most job posting, we must provide a more comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, and working conditions than a general statement.  They include:

  • Arrests suspects using handcuff and other restraints; subdues resisting suspects using maneuvers, approved weapons, and hands and feet in self-defense.
  • Writes investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
  • Assesses situations to determine when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when and to what degree force may be used.
  • Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow. 
  • Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time and communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communication.
  • Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.
  • Pursues fleeing suspects which may involve quickly entering and exiting patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects; climbing over obstacles; jumping from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches, and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
  • Unloads, load, aims and fires handguns and other firearms from a variety of body positions under stressful conditions that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
  • Performs traffic enforcement and law enforcement patrol functions within assigned patrol area and according to established laws and procedures in order to reduce loss of property and life and ensure safe and orderly flow of traffic.
  • Intervenes in disputes to restore peace and ensure safety of the public and parties involved, including confronting hostile persons, mediating disputes, and advising of rights and process.
  • Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents and demonstrates communication skill to prosecute cases in court and other formal settings.
  • Searches people, vehicles, buildings, and outdoor areas to detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions; detains suspicious persons or vehicles.
  • Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic, administering emergency medical aid, and evacuating people away from dangerous situations.
  • Processes and transports prisoners and committed mental patients using hand restraints and other appropriate restraints.
  • Successfully completes formal training such as at the Police Standards and Training Academy to develop skill and proficiency in law enforcement techniques.
  • Working Conditions: Requires performing regular job assignments in extremely disagreeable or dangerous working environment with continuous exposure to an uncontrollable number of hazardous elements, including occupational accidents, injuries, or diseases which result in total disability or death.
  • Physical Demands: Requires medium to heavy work, including continuous physical exertion such as frequent bending, lifting, or climbing.

Training and Certification Requirements:

We believe that there is no substitute for competence.  Quality training is the foundation for elevating the safety, expertise, and professionalism of our employees.  It also enhances community support, fosters personnel mentoring and career development, and provides us with a legal shield to mitigate liability challenges.  Ultimately, quality training directly impacts employee satisfaction, confidence, and productivity, as well as the quality and types of public safety services we can provide to our community.  Therefore, the Jaffrey Police Chief is committed to continually educate, train, and mentor each member of the police department to help them reach their fullest potential.

Each newly hired officer is assessed to determine their level of competence, education, and experience.  The training regimen they are required to receive is then established based on three categories with the mandatory requirement that each officer possesses or obtains a full or part-time Peace Officer Certification through the New Hampshire Police Standards & Training Council (NHPSTC) within six months from the date of hire. 

  • Category 1 Non-Certified Recruit:  Newly hired full-time recruits with no certifications are required to attend a 16-week (640 training hours) Basic Training Academy in Concord, New Hampshire.  Upon graduation, the officer must complete a 24-week Field Training Program at the Jaffrey Police Department before they are allowed to operate as solo officer without direct supervision.  Newly hired part-time recruits must attend the Part-Time Academy in Concord, New Hampshire.  The Part-Time Academy is generally conducted on Tuesday and Thursday nights and all-day Saturday over a three-month period for a total of 200 training hours.  Part-time officers must then complete the same 24-week Field Training Program at the Jaffrey Police Department.  Field training may run concurrent to the Part-Time Academy depending on the recruit’s availability.      
  • Category 2- Out of State Certified Officer:  Newly hired officers who possess a Peace Officer certification from another state may be eligible to attend the “Law Package” training curriculum at the Academy instead of attending the full Basic Training course.  The Law Package runs concurrent with the Basic Training course over a 16-week period.  The newly hired officer, however, is only required to attend law related classes in Concord 1-3 times a week.  The remainder of the work week is dedicated to the Field Training Program at the Jaffrey Police Department. Law Package attendees are required to take and pass the same law related tests as Basic Training recruits to obtain certification.
  • Category 3 NHPSTC Certified Officer: Newly hired officers with a current NHPSTC certification immediately enter our Field Training Program.  The Field Training may be abbreviated based on prior experience and the ability to quickly learn Jaffrey Police Department policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements to Apply:

The Jaffrey Police Department is seeking highly motivated people of good character to join our ranks.  Applicants must be prepared to dedicate themselves to our mission and uphold our core values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, and Respect while providing effective police services in a professional, courteous, and equitable manner.  We are an equal opportunity employer and hire based on an individual’s merits, abilities, and experience.  Although we prefer that applicants have prior law enforcement experience, a college degree, and possess a NHPSCT certification, we consider all applicants who meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Education:  Completion of high school diploma, GED or its equivalent. 
  • Age:  Must be at least 21 years of age by the closing date for application submittal established on the current recruitment announcement.
  • You must possess a valid driver’s license.

There are automatic disqualifiers for candidates established by the NHPSTC.  If any of the following apply you will not be considered for employment by the Jaffrey Police Department:  

  • Used marijuana within 12 months
  • Illegally used a controlled substance, other than marijuana, within 36 months; unless 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
  • Used a controlled substance while employed in a law enforcement capacity
  • Been dishonorably discharged from military service
  • Been convicted of a felony
  • 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, honest, or ability.  A complete list of examples is available upon request.

The Jaffrey Police Department has a Tattoo Policy that may affect a candidate’s eligibility.  It reads:

“Beginning for officers hired on or after 9/1/2020, tattoos that cannot be covered by a standard uniform consisting of a short sleeve shirt with a collar and full-length pants are prohibited.   The Chief of Police can allow exceptions to this rule if visible tattoos on hands, forearms, and necks are able to be covered, while on duty, in other approved manners.”

In addition to the minimum requirements, a qualified candidate will have the following abilities:

  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle
  • Ability to learn the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment
  • Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and impartiality in relation to others
  • Ability to make decisions based on common sense and good judgment
  • Ability to resolve stressful situations
  • Ability to comprehend and comply with written and oral directions
  • Ability to write reports
  • Ability to comply with and enforce federal, state and local laws
  • Ability to increase competency through training and instruction
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
  • Ability to take orders and accept supervision
  • Ability to maintain a professional appearance appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the Jaffrey Police Department Rules and Regulations

Testing Process:

The testing process to be hired as a Jaffrey Police Officer is intensive and competitive.  It is designed to test the applicant’s physical fitness, intelligence, communication skills, integrity, and character.  It also screens the applicant’s physical and mental health to ensure they can endure the stressors associated with the job.  The following are the phases of the hiring process and are in order of occurrence:      

Physical Fitness Test – The physical fitness test is established by NHPSTC and is based on the Cooper Institute Standards.  It is comprised of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.  Candidates must meet the following minimum entry standards based on gender and age:

Push-ups
AgeMaleFemale
18-292722 modified or 14 full-body
30-392117 modified or 10 full-body
40-491611 modified or 8 full-body
50-591110 modified
60+9modified
   

 

Sit-ups
AgeMaleFemale
18-293731
30-393324
40-492819
50-592212
60+185

 

1.5-Mile Run
AgeMaleFemale
18-2912:5315:14
30-3913:2415:58
40-4914:0716:46
50-5915:2018:37
60+17:1120:46

Written Exam – There is a written exam that tests the candidate’s basic English/grammar skills, math skills, writing skills, and reading comprehension. 

Oral Board Interview – Candidates who successfully pass the Fitness Test and Written Exam may be asked to return for an interview with a Hiring Team.  The interview consists of basic and scenario-based questions.

Background Investigation – Finalists for employment undergo a thorough background investigation that includes checks and verification of criminal history, driving history, employment history, finances, education, previous addresses, and many other personal categories that would be indicators of a person’s character, integrity, and suitability for career in law enforcement.                 

Polygraph Exam – Finalists for employment must take and pass a polygraph exam.  It is meant to verify truthfulness and completeness of the information provided by the candidate during the background investigation.

Psychological Exam – Finalists who have successfully passed all previous phases undergo a psychological exam consisting of written questionnaires and an interview with a licensed mental health practitioner. 

Medical Exam – Finalists must pass a medical exam to include a drug screening.

*The Chief of Police has the authority waive any phase of the hiring process depending on the totality of circumstances as long as NHPSTC requirements are met.    

Ready to move forward and apply?

We are currently conducting a hiring process for one open full time position.  If interested, please click this PoliceApp link to apply.

If you have any questions, want to tour our facility, or do a ride-along with one of our officers, do not hesitate to email Lieutenant LaBrecque at clabrecque@townofjaffrey.com or call us at 603-532-7865.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,

Chief Todd Muilenberg

tmuilenberg@townofjaffrey.com