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Hiring Bonus
Hiring Bonus
Newark Delaware: The Right Size, The Right Fit
Newark, Delaware is a vibrant small city with a supportive community. The Newark Police Department covers about 10 square miles that include suburban neighborhoods, a busy college campus, rural areas, and an urban core, meaning you’ll experience every type of policing in one department.
We’re the perfect size: big enough to offer specialized assignments and career growth, but small enough that you’ll know your co-workers, be able to establish lifelong friendships, and never feel lost in the crowd. You’ll always have variety in your work and you’ll never be bored.
Live where you want: we have no residency requirement. Newark is in the middle of everything, just an hour from Philadelphia or Baltimore, two hours from New York City or Washington, D.C., and a quick drive to the Delaware beaches or Jersey shore.
Join us in Newark—you’ll find a department that’s the right size, in the right place, with the right opportunities.
Protect & Serve
The Newark Police Department is proud to protect and serve our diverse community that we call home. Learn more about how to become a City of Newark police officer, our benefits, and the community that will support you throughout your journey.
From anywhere to Newark Delaware
Officers in the Newark Police Department come from all different countries, backgrounds, and careers. From places like the Dominican Republic, Brazil and the Ukraine, from backgrounds of entertainment and education-we all found our home at Newark PD. Our badge is the common denominator.
Hiring Bonus
$10,000
Eligible to new hires that do not qualify for the high bonus.
$20,000
Eligible to new hires that are Delaware certified police officers (who have completed at least 4 years of sworn service at a Delaware police agency in compliance with 11 Del C. § 8409) OR are Delaware police academy exempt based on police certification in another state.Â
Salary & Benefits
Starting salary for a Newark police officer is $81,781 while attending the police academy and through the end of the first year of service.
Beginning July 1st, 2026 the starting salary will be: $87,505.
Annual step raises, varying between 3 – 4 %, are given throughout your career, plus any additional raises negotiated by contract.
The starting salary for a lateral officer (already a certified police officer) will depend on the number of years of prior service as a sworn police officer. The current starting salary range is up to $110,336.
The Newark Police Department participates in the State of Delaware County and Municipal Police/Firefighter Pension plan.
This pension plan provides full pension benefits after 20 years of service at 50% of the average of the highest 36 months of salary. Employees earn an additional 3.5% service credit each year after 20 years of service. Retirement is mandatory at age 55 or 34 years of service, whichever comes first.  Employees are also entitled to disability and death benefits.  Full details about the plan can be found here.Â
The City also provides a Retirement Health Savings Plan to which both the City and the Employee contribute.  These funds can be used upon retirement to pay for health benefits.
Health – 100% paid for employee. For dependents, employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
Dental (including orthodontics) – 100% paid for employee. For dependents, employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
Vision – 100% paid for employee. For dependents, employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
Life Insurance OptionsÂ
13 paid holidays annually – An officer required to work on a holiday receives additional pay and time off.
- 2 weeks of paid vacation after 1 year of service
- 3 weeks of paid vacation after 5 years of service
- 4 weeks of paid vacations after 10 years of service
- 5 weeks of paid vacation after 15 years of service
- 5½ weeks of paid vacation after 20 years of service
Employees accumulate 10 hours per month of sick time. In addition, an annual sick time bonus of 24 hours is provided to officers who utilize minimal sick time. After reaching 720 hours of accumulated sick time, the City buys back the excess sick time on a yearly basis. The City also provides leave for emergencies, bereavement, military and service on jury duty.
In addition to providing a highly competitive wage and fringe benefit package, the City of Newark also provides the following:
- Full salary during attendance at the police academy and provides all necessary academy equipmentÂ
- Take home vehicle
- Patrol Division works 12-hour shifts with every other weekend off
- Paid attendance at additional police training beyond the academyÂ
- Payment for tuition and books towards a Bachelor’s Degree
- All required uniforms and equipment are provided
- Annual clothing and/or cleaning allowance
- After achieving 3 years of service, an annual payment of $1,000 for possession of a Bachelor’s Degree and $1,250 for possession of an advanced degree
A Vibrant Atmosphere
We serve a dynamic community full of residents, businesses, visitors and students. They support us, and our department supports them. See what makes Newark a vibrant place to live, work and police in.
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About
Newark Police Department in Delaware serves the city with a focus on community policing and public safety.
Careers
Newark Police Department is always looking for new recruits. See what positions are open and apply today.
FAQ
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Newark Police Department.
"We are constantly getting more training, we are constantly getting more education, and more equipment, and more tools to do this job in a modernized policing atmosphere."
