Recruitment

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Recruitment

The Bath Police Department has 19 sworn law enforcement officers (13 officers assigned to patrol, 3 detectives, 1 SRO, and administration of Chief and Deputy Chief) and 5 civilian employees. As of March 2022, we are an accredited agency through the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (MLEAP).

Our Department affords you many opportunities for training and advancement. You may choose to pursue, for example, the position of Drug Recognition Expert, Field Training Officer, SRO, Motorcycle officer, Bike patrol, or a supervisory position. We have access to the latest police technology and equipment to make your career safe and rewarding. We emphasize our progressive, community-orientated philosophy and encourage officers to be part of that image. We have officers that coach sports, serve on community organizations, and engage with the community in numerous ways.

Open Positions

Police Officer

Benefits

Salary: The average salary of the first year officer is approximately $61–64k with the potential to make more.

We offer equivalent lateral entry pay for certified law enforcement officers with vacation time per current union contract.

These figures include:

Educational incentive for an Associate ($.70 per hour) or Bachelor degree ($1.60 per hour), or military incentive four years of military service ($.70 per hour).
Physical fitness benefit up to 40 hours comp time for exceeding minimum MCJA physical fitness standards each year
Stipend for FTO, K9 and Harbor Master
Paid Court time (minimum four hours)
Abundance of optional overtime jobs with a rate of $65/hour for outside details and 1.5x your hourly rate for city jobs.

Clothing Allowance: $650/year for the purchase and replacement of uniforms and gear.

Time-Off: You will start off receiving two weeks of vacation time off after your first year. An additional week of vacation is after completing your 5th, 15th, 20th, and 24th year. You can earn additional time off as well: Compensatory time at the rate of 1.5 hours may be earned for each hour of overtime worked.

You will have 12 sick days a year earned at 10 hours per month, and 14 paid holidays per year.

Life Insurance: Through both Maine PERS and the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust, with options for coverage up to 4x your annual salary.

Health Insurance: The City of Bath pays 85% of the health insurance premium for singles, couples, and families. Coverage is the Maine Municipal Employee Health Trust’s PPO-500 plan through Anthem Blue choice. The City also funds a Health
Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) for covered employees to help offset deductible costs.

Dental Insurance: Optional employee-paid full coverage dental, administered by Delta Dental, through the Maine Municipal Employee Health Trust.

Vision Care: VSP program through Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust.

Income Protection Plan: Short Term Disability option covering up to 70% of your weekly salary.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/Section 125 Plan: Partially employee funded FSA option to help offset medical and dental costs. Dependent Care FSA also available.

Retirement: Through MainePERS, 3C Special Plan: After completion of 25 years you could earn 2/3rds of the average of your three highest years with no age limit for retirement.

Additional Options: Additional Insurance and Retirement planning options through MainePERS, Mission Square, Maine Start, Colonial Life, and Aflac

Hiring Process

Please CLICK HERE to view our hiring process booklet.

FAQs

How long does the hiring process take?
The entire process can take three to four months, however, it has been shortened in the past. Please see the hiring process description.

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 reasonably fit and able to pass the MCJA fitness Standards explained under the hiring process. You are also required to pass the MCJA fitness standards annually once hired.

What is the minimal ALERT test score?
Bath Police require a minimal passing score for the MCJA ALERT test of 45.

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

What if I am already a certified Police Officer?
Bath is always looking to hire experienced officers, streamlining the process, and potentially compensating you for prior experience. We offer lateral entry incentives around wages and vacation.

I have smoked marijuana in the past. Can I still be a police officer?
As it is still illegal federally, you cannot be currently smoking marijuana. 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?
Certain drug use, criminal history, poor financial management, a negative driving record, and previous terminations from by other employers may be disqualifiers.

What does a starting police officer make?
A new police officer with no experience can earn around a minimum of $61,000/year. It is quite possible for a first year officer to earn more than this by working overtime, extra details, or if their hourly rate is increased through our college credit or military incentive or lateral entry.