Police Department : Town of Hartford 

Compensation & Benefits


Effective July 2021, salaries are:

Entry Level Police Officer
Pre-Academy $50,897 – Post-Graduation $52,062

Certified Police Officer (based on experience)
$53,206 – $58,177

Communications Specialist
Pre-Training $43,888 – Post-Training $44,844

Hiring incentive bonuses

Certified Police Officer - $10,000 ($2500 upon hire, $2500 upon completion of field training program, $5000 upon completion of probationary period - 1 yr)

Entry Level Police Officer - $5,000 ($1250 upon hire, $1250 upon completion of field training program, $2500 upon completion of probationary period - 1 yr)

Communications Specialist - $5,000 ($1250 upon hire, $1250 upon completion of CTO program, $2500 upon completion of probationary period - 1 yr)

Education Stipend

Employees who have received a level of education beyond a High School Diploma shall receive educational incentive pay, payable upon the first payroll period in December and thereafter, upon verification of the following degree awards from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Educational incentive pay shall be in an amount equal to the highest level of education attained in the following amounts:

  • Associate’s Degree – $750

  • Bachelor’s Degree – $1,500

  • Master’s Degree – $3,000

  • Public safety employees MAY also be eligible for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Employees are also eligible to accumulate paid holiday, sick, personal, and vacation leave. 


Holidays

The Town recognizes thirteen (13) paid Holidays annually. Those employees working the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day may be entitled to premium pay in addition to their regular pay.


Military

Further, those employee(s) who are active members of the National Guard or any branch of the Military Reserves may convert up to an additional five (5) days of their accrued sick leave to personal days to be used for the sole and express purpose to attend monthly drill, annual training, or other activities ordered by the Military. The Town recognizes the value and importance of voluntary military service. Therefore, any employee who is a member of the reserve force of the United States or the State of Vermont shall (upon receipt of formal written orders from superior officers) be granted a leave of absence for required annual training not to exceed ten (10) work days annually. The employee will receive pay equivalent to the difference between the straight time regular pay for the term of the leave and that received from the military service for this same period.


Health, Dental, & Vision

A competitive benefits package is available to employees.


Retirement

Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System (VMERS) is the public pension plan provided by the State of Vermont for participating municipalities' employees. The Hartford Police Department offers VMERS Group C.


Probationary Period

All newly hired personnel, regardless of position, must serve in a probationary status for twelve (12) months following the completion of initial training.


Misc 

All uniforms and equipment are provided by the Town, to include cleaning and replacement.

Continued career advancement and specialization is available through non-competitive and competitive promotions, specialized assignments, and other opportunities.