Join Our Team — Become a Police Officer in Merrimack, NH!

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? The Merrimack Police Department is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team — no prior law enforcement experience required.

We believe great officers are made, not born. That’s why we invest in you from day one with comprehensive training, mentorship, and ongoing development opportunities. If you’re passionate about helping others, solving problems, and building trust, we’ll give you the tools to succeed.

We practice community policing — working hand-in-hand with residents, businesses, and local organizations to create a safer, more connected town.

Training That Builds Confidence — from academy instruction to advanced field training, we’ll prepare you for every challenge. You’ll learn communication, de-escalation, investigative techniques, and more.

Duties/Responsibilities: The patrol officer shall be responsible for the enforcement of the applicable laws of the State of New Hampshire and ordinances of the Town of Merrimack. He/she is also responsible for efficient performance of required duties in conformance with the rules, regulations, and policies of the Merrimack Police Department. His/her duties include responding to emergency and non-emergency calls; identifying criminal offenders/activity and where appropriate, apprehend offenders; reduce the opportunity for the commission of crimes through preventative patrol; aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm; facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic; identify problems that are potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems; create and maintain a feeling of security within the community; promote and preserve the peace. Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution.

Current full or part-time police officers employed in the State of NH must be certified by the NH Police Standards and Training Council and will be exempt from the written exam portion of the eligibility process only.

Applicants shall meet all qualifying standards as set forth by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council.

Before a final offer is extended, chosen applicant will need to undergo a complete background check, including, but not limited to a background history, criminal and driving record, physical exam, polygraph, and psychological exam.

SALARY DETAILS

• STARTING SALARY IS $32.36/hr. with lateral transfers up to $38.62/hr. at Chief's discretion, based on experience, education, and skills.
• Weekly payroll
• Educational Incentives - after probation completion
• Shift Differential - B-shift - $0.75/hr. and C-shift $1.00/hr.
• Field Training Officer Stipend
• Special Assignment Stipends
• Master Patrol Officer - at 5 years (at least 3 with Merrimack) subject to passing test. $39.05 - 43.12/hr. Top of scale within 18 months after attaining Master Patrol Officer -

BENEFITS

• Family Health Insurance Premiums - 100% employer paid
• Health Insurance Opt-out - Town pays 25% of amount it saves as result of you opting out of our health plan as long as you have other group coverage. For family plan, this is currently additional $698.70/mo.
• Family Dental Insurance Premiums - 90% employer paid.
• Life Insurance Premiums - 100% employer paid
• Short-term Disability Premiums (26 weeks) - 100% employer paid
• Tuition Reimbursement (after probation) - Currently $30,000 per contract year available to union members, 1st come, 1st served.
• Group II New Hampshire Retirement System
• Clothing Allowance
• Clothing Cleaning and Maintenance Subsidy

EARNED TIME AND TIME OFF

• Personal Leave Account (PLA)- starting at 144 hours per year - earned weekly, at rate of 2.77 hours available to use once earned
• Disability Leave Account (DLA) - 64 hours per year - earned weekly, at rate of 1.23 hours per week available to use for qualified reasons once earned. Annual buyback of hours over 500 at .667%
• Bereavement Leave