Patrol Officer

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years old at the start of the academy.
• Must have one of the following:
  • Minimum 60 college credits in any field of study.
  • Currently serving on active duty with 90 or more days of service.
  • Veteran with honorable discharge.
  • Active member of the National Guard or Reserve with two or more years in good standing and commander’s endorsement.
• Have a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License at the time of hire.
• Ability to acquire a Massachusetts License to Carry a Firearm.
• No prior felony convictions.
• Must not smoke tobacco products.

If you do not meet one of these requirements and are still interested, contact a member of the personnel selection unit.

• Starting pay $75,400.00
• Education Incentive adds 10‑25% to your base pay post‑academy graduation based on credits/degree.
• 4 weeks’ vacation per year.
• Earn up to 4 additional days off for physical fitness per year.
• Healthcare is split 70/30.
• Annual clothing allowance.
• Specialty assignment opportunities.
• Promotional opportunities.

• Apply online via the Barnstable Police Officer Application tab.
• Contacted once a hiring process begins if eligible.
• Attend an eligibility interview with Barnstable Police Personnel.
• Attend Orientation.
• Attend an Intake Interview.
• Attend a Physical Fitness Test based on the 30th percentile of the Cooper Standard Test.
• Complete the above steps and pass all aspects of the hiring process to receive a conditional offer of employment.
• Following the conditional offer, the candidate will be expected to take and pass a medical exam, psychological exam, Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and the Cooper Standard Test for entrance into the academy.

Academy recruits will attend either the Cape Cod Municipal Academy (Falmouth) or the Plymouth Municipal Police Academy for approximately 21 weeks.

• Day one – Expect a high‑stress environment and a test of ability to handle tense situations.
• Classroom – Criminal & Procedural Law and other topics to prepare for calls for service.
• Applied Patrol Procedures – Scenario‑based training relevant to real calls.
• Drill & Ceremony – Teaches teamwork, discipline, and physical coordination.
• Physical Training – Rigorous physical training regimen including cardiovascular and strength training.
• Graduation – Celebration with academy mates and family upon completion.

After the probationary period, Patrol Officers bid their shifts on a seniority basis. Barnstable Patrol officers work a 4‑day on and a 2‑day off rotation. The shifts are:
Midnight Shift 23:45–07:45, Day Shift 07:45–15:45, Evening Shift 15:45–23:45. Up to three officers per shift can work a 3‑on‑3‑off permanent shift swap on a seniority basis.