Police Officer (Entry-Level)
City of Bethlehem Police Department – Bethlehem, PA
The City of Bethlehem Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. This is an excellent opportunity to serve a diverse community while building a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Application Deadline: 3:00 PM, June 12, 2026
Starting Salary: $69,869.99 annually
Benefits: Competitive benefits package
Why Join the Bethlehem Police Department?
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Build your career across multiple divisions, including:
- Patrol Division – Frontline policing and community engagement
- Support Services Division – Specialized units such as K-9, Mounted Patrol, School Resource Officers, Traffic, and Community Policing
- Criminal Investigations Division – Forensic Services, Detective Bureau, and Vice
- Professional Standards Division – Internal affairs, training, and accreditation
- Predictable Scheduling:
- Patrol operates on a 5/3, 5/2 schedule, providing regular time off and work-life balance
- The majority of specialized units work Monday through Friday schedules
- Serve a Vibrant Community: Work in a dynamic city with strong community partnerships and support for law enforcement
- Career Growth & Advancement: Clear pathways for promotion and specialized assignments
- Professional Development: Ongoing training to enhance your skills and expertise
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Comprehensive package including healthcare, retirement, and paid leave
- Team-Oriented Culture: Join a department that values integrity, accountability, and collaboration
- Make an Impact: Play a critical role in protecting the community and improving quality of life
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen and have resided in the U.S. for at least five (5) years
- Be at least 21 years of age by the application deadline
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Meet one of the following education/experience requirements:
- Associate’s Degree or a minimum of 60 college credits (from no more than two accredited colleges/universities), or
- Act 120 Certification and at least 2,000 hours of service as a municipal police officer, or
- At least two (2) years of active military service (or six (6) years reserve service) with an honorable discharge
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required documentation by 3:00 PM, June 12, 2026:
Apply online: https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Police/Applications
Required Documentation:
- Completed and signed online application
- Copy of valid driver’s license
- Copy of Social Security card
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of naturalization papers (if applicable)
- Copy of high school diploma
- Copy of college degree(s) and unofficial transcript(s) from each college attended, and/or
- Copy of Act 120 Certificate and proof of 2,000 hours of municipal police service, and/or
- Proof of qualifying military service (active or reserve) with honorable discharge
- DD-214 (Member 4 copy), if claiming Veteran’s Preference
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applicants must successfully complete all elements of the hiring process, including:
- Online application review
- Physical Fitness Test: July 9, 2026
- Written Examination: July 9, 2026
- Polygraph examination
- Background investigation
- Administrative interview
- Certification by Civil Service Board
- Psychological examination
- Medical examination
Qualified applicants will be notified via email after the application deadline with next steps.
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $69,869.99 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
