New Style
Above the Standard
As an internationally accredited police agency, we pride ourselves in continually exceeding safety and policy standards. When you join the Newark Police Department, you will receive the most training, the most education and the most resources available in the country. Â
Entry Level Officer
The Newark Police Department is seeking motivated individuals ready to serve their community with pride and professionalism. As one of Delaware’s premier law enforcement agencies, we are dedicated to excellence in public safety, community partnerships, and innovation in policing.
Joining our team means more than just a job, it’s the start of a rewarding career. Newark Police officers receive top-tier training, opportunities to work in specialized units, and clear paths for advancement and leadership.
If you are 21 years of age or older and want to make a difference, now is the time to apply. Take the first step toward a future of service, growth, and purpose with the Newark Delaware Police Department.
- $10,000 Hiring Bonus
- Great Benefits
- Take-Home Car
- No previous law enforcement experience needed
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Choose the location you want to work
We are seeking individuals of good character who we can train to become effective police officers.  If that’s you, let’s start here! Â
Regardless of your background, you need the following to work here:Â Â
- 21 years old on the day of hire
- US citizen
- Valid Driver’s license without suspension or revocation within the past three years.
- You cannot have reached your 40th birthday before the date of hire
We value education, military experience, and individuals with established careers as police officers, so we have a few additional requirements to ensure we are hiring the best candidates for the job. Â
You have 3 paths to your career with the Newark Police Department. Pick the one that fits you:
- Have at least 60 College Credits from a recognized college or university.
- Have Military Service plus 30 College Credits from a recognized college or university. Because we want veterans, we will waive the other 30 credits for your military experience.
- Be a Certified Full-time Police officer with at least 18 months of service after academy graduation. Because your police experience matters, we will waive the college credit requirement. Â
Lateral Entry Program
Already a Police Officer?
Take advantage of our fast-track hiring process and join a department that values your service and experience.
The best news? If you are academy exempt, you’ll start at a higher entry-level salary step, with pay up to $XXXX in 2026 and $XXXX in 2027. Your years of service, training, and specialties are recognized here, and we’ll bring you in at a high starting salary to reflect your background. Â
You may not even need to attend the academy, depending on your certification. We’ve successfully welcomed full and part-time certified officers from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and other states.
As a full-service, full-time agency, we offer:
- $20,000 Hiring Bonus
- A competitive salary
- Pension and benefits
- Opportunities for specialized assignments
- Clear promotion pathways
We are seeking individuals of good character who we can train to become effective police officers.  If that’s you, let’s start here! Â
Regardless of your background, you need the following to work here:Â Â
- 21 years old on the day of hire
- US citizen
- Valid Driver’s license without suspension or revocation within the past three years.
- You cannot have reached your 40th birthday before the date of hire
We value education, military experience, and individuals with established careers as police officers, so we have a few additional requirements to ensure we are hiring the best candidates for the job. Â
You have 3 paths to your career with the Newark Police Department. Pick the one that fits you:
- Have at least 60 College Credits from a recognized college or university.
- Have Military Service plus 30 College Credits from a recognized college or university. Because we want veterans, we will waive the other 30 credits for your military experience.
- Be a Certified Full-time Police officer with at least 18 months of service after academy graduation. Because your police experience matters, we will waive the college credit requirement. Â
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 $70,000 while attending the police academy and through the end of the first year of service.
The salary rises to $72,747 after completion of two years of service. Salary range tops out at over $119,000 per year unless promoted to a higher rank.
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 range for this starting salary is $70,000 — $95,000.
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
Never a Dull Moment
A fast-paced career with incredible benefits and plenty of opportunities for growth. See why young officers are choosing the Newark Police Department to launch their careers.
