Recruitment

Join the Bath Police Department

The Bath Police Department is a professional, community-focused agency serving the City of Bath. Our team includes 19 sworn officers and 5 civilian employees.

Our department embraces a progressive, community-oriented philosophy. Officers are encouraged to engage with the community by coaching youth sports, volunteering, and building positive relationships throughout the city.

We equip our officers with modern technology, training, and support to help build a safe, impactful, and rewarding career.

Bath Police Department has been accredited through the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program since 2022, reflecting our commitment to best practices and continuous improvement.

Why Choose Bath PD?

• Competitive pay with contracted raises through 2028
• Overtime, callbacks, detail work, and other stacking pay opportunities
• Generous time off and a 4-day work week
• Paid academy training and lateral entry incentives
• Career growth through specialized roles and advancement pathways
• Community-focused policing culture

Career Opportunities

We are committed to helping officers grow their careers. Opportunities for specialization and advancement include:

• Drug Recognition Expert
• Field Training Officer
• School Resource Officer
• Motorcycle Unit
• Bike Patrol
• Supervisory roles

Competitive Compensation

Salary

• A new officer with no experience can earn around a minimum of $71,000 per year with available opportunities.
• Lateral entry pay is available for certified officers, including credit for prior experience and vacation time.

Patrol Officer Pay Scale

Additional Pay and Incentives

• Education incentive: Associate degree, +$0.70 per hour
• Education incentive: Bachelor’s degree, +$1.60 per hour
• Military incentive for 4+ years of service: +$0.70 per hour
• Specialty pay opportunities: +$0.75 per hour
• Court time: 4-hour minimum paid
• City overtime: 1.5 times the hourly rate
• Outside details: $70 per hour
• 13 paid holidays per year, plus additional pay for worked holidays

Specialty Pay Roles

• Field Training Officer
• Firearms Instructor
• Taser Instructor
• Cruiser Maintenance Officer
• MARC Instructor
• School Resource Officer
• Harbormaster
• K9 Handler

Generous Benefits

Time Off

• Vacation begins accruing immediately and is available after your first month.
• 0–5 years: 120 hours, or 3 weeks
• 6–10 years: 140 hours
• 11–15 years: 160 hours
• 16–20 years: 180 hours
• 20+ years: 200 hours
• One additional personal day each year
• Up to 2 times annual accrual may be carried over
• Sick leave: 10 hours per month, or 120 hours per year
• Sick leave may accrue up to 960 hours
• Comp time at 1.5 times the overtime worked
• Fitness incentive: Earn 20–40 additional vacation hours by exceeding standards

Insurance and Health

• Medical insurance through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• City pays 85% of individual, couple, or family premiums
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement included
• $100 annual contribution to employee Flexible Spending Account
• Optional health insurance buy-back if coverage is waived
• Dental insurance through Delta Dental
• Vision insurance through EyeMed

Financial Security

• MainePERS 3C Special Plan retirement
• Eligible for two-thirds of top 3-year average after 25 years, with no age limit
• Paid Family Medical Leave
• Optional Short-Term Disability coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Life insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits, including MissionSquare, Colonial Life, Aflac, and more

Other Benefits

• $800 annual uniform and clothing allowance
• City-provided cell phone or $20 per month stipend

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the hiring process take?

Three to four months from application to final offer, sometimes less. Please view our Hiring Process Booklet

What is the minimum age to be a Police Officer?

You must be at least 21 years old, or 20 years old with an Associate’s Degree or 60 credits.

How physically fit must I be to be a police officer?

You must be able to pass the MCJA fitness Standards explained under the hiring process. As an officer, you are required to pass the MCJA fitness standards annually.

Do I need to have a college degree?

A degree is always a plus, however, it is not required. You must be a high school graduate or equivalent.

Do you hire Veterans?

Yes, veterans are encouraged to apply. We offer a military incentive if you have served four or more years in the military.

Do you stay at the Police Academy while training and will I be paid?

The Academy is an 18- week program and you will be there Monday through Friday, being allowed to go home on the weekends. While at the MCJA you will be paid by the department.

What if I am already a certified Police Officer?

Bath is always looking to hire experienced officers! We offer lateral entry incentives for wages and vacation, and may be able to streamline your hiring process.

I have smoked marijuana in the past. Can I still be a police officer?

You cannot currently smoke marijuana since cannabis is still illegal at the Federal level and officers must follow state and Federal laws.  There is no set amount of time from when you last smoked, however, two years is a good guide.

What are possible automatic disqualifiers for police officers?

Disqualifiers based on state law include convictions of offenses involving violence, assaults, theft, dishonesty, interference with justice, certain drugs, or operating under the influence. Poor financial management, a negative driving record, inability to pass the fitness test, and previous terminations by other employers may also be disqualifiers.

What does a starting police officer make?

A new police officer with no experience can earn around a minimum of $71,000/year. A first year officer can earn more than this by working overtime and extra details, or if their hourly rate is increased through education or military incentives or lateral entry.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Deputy Chief Michelle Small
msmall@cityofbathmaine.gov