What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer position at Borough of Berwick?
EDIT 9/30/2026 - Borough of Berwick Police Department will be closing applications for Lateral Transfer Police Officers on Friday, October 16, 2026, with testing to follow within one week of that date. Exact date, time and location of testing will be provided upon receipt of completed application. Interested individuals must have completed application received no later than 4:00 p.m. on that date. All other employment classifications will remain open at this time.
Testing for Lateral Transfer Police Officers will be conducted on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Physical agility test will begin at 9:00 am at Test Track Park on South Eaton Street in Berwick. A map to the location can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/d7NoNJFBsL5tZZhU9. The written and oral examinations will begin shortly after the completion of physical agility testing at Berwick City Hall, 1800 North Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603. The exact start time will be announced at the conclusion of physical agility testing. Candidates must have submitted a completed application in order to participate in this testing process.
In order for candidates to be eligible for this test, a completed application must be RECEIVED no later than Friday, August 28, 2026, at noon. This is the complete application listed in the ad (including notarized forms and education transcripts); a basic resume is not acceptable for this position.
Police Officer Positions – Entry-Level, Lateral, and Cadet Sponsorship
Borough of Berwick Police Department – Berwick, PA
Job Overview
The Borough of Berwick Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency with 16 full-time sworn officers and civilian staff, serving a community of just over 10,000 residents within 3.25 square miles.
We are currently accepting applications for Police Officer positions under the following hiring tracks:
- Entry-Level Police Officer (Act 120 Certified)
- Lateral Transfer Police Officer
- Cadet Sponsorship Program (Non-Certified Applicants)
Positions are available for full-time and part-time employment, depending on the hiring classification. The Borough of Berwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Hiring ClassificationsEntry-Level Police Officer (Act 120 Certified)
This position is for applicants who have successfully completed Act 120 training and passed the final MPOETC exam but have not previously been employed as a certified police officer.
Lateral Transfer Police Officer
Applicants currently employed, or previously employed, as certified police officers with another law enforcement agency may be considered as lateral transfers.
- Prior experience may be credited toward starting salary
- Prior service may be credited toward vacation accrual
- Placement is determined in accordance with Borough policy and Civil Service Rules
Cadet Sponsorship Program (Non-Certified Applicants)
The Borough of Berwick offers a Cadet Sponsorship Program for qualified applicants who are not Act 120 certified.
- The Borough will pay the full cost of the police academy
- Cadets will be paid by the Borough while attending the academy
- Upon successful completion of Act 120 and all hiring requirements, Cadets may be appointed as police officers
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Patrol assigned areas to deter and detect criminal activity
- Respond to emergency calls and incidents, providing first aid and CPR when necessary
- Conduct investigations, gather evidence, and prepare detailed reports
- Enforce traffic laws and promote safe driving practices
- Engage with the community to foster positive relationships and public trust
- Manage conflicts and resolve disputes professionally
- Use surveillance and observation techniques to identify suspicious activity
- Safely handle animals when required
- Work cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- United States citizenship
- Valid motor vehicle operator’s license
- Physical and mental fitness to perform police duties
- Act 120 certification (for Entry-Level and Lateral applicants)
- Must be at least 21 years old, or 19 years old with prior paid public safety experience
- Must pass physical agility, written, oral, background, polygraph, medical, and psychological examinations
- Must comply with Borough Civil Service Rules and Act 57 requirements
- Must reside within 25 air miles of the Borough of Berwick within six (6) months of completing probation
Application & Testing Information
Applications submitted through Indeed will NOT be accepted.
All applicants must complete the official application available at:
https://columbia.crimewatchpa.com/berwickboropd/49449/content/employment-application
Applications must be submitted by mail or in person to:
Berwick City Hall
c/o Civil Service Commission
1800 North Market Street
Berwick, PA 18603
Testing dates and times will be provided to qualified applicants when available.
Testing Process
- Physical Agility Test
- Written Examination
- Oral Examination
- Background Investigation
- Polygraph Examination
Why Berwick PD
Join a department that values professionalism, accountability, and community engagement. Whether you are newly certified, an experienced officer, or looking to start your career through cadet sponsorship, Berwick PD offers a clear path to a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $53,570.13 - $78,649.31 per year
Benefits:
- 457(b)
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Military leave
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $53,570 - $78,649