Wakefield Police Department Now Hiring Patrol Officers from a Local Register

WAKEFIELD – Chief Steve Skory reports that the Wakefield Police Department is currently hiring Patrol Officers using a civil service hybrid hiring process that includes a “Local Register” as well as the traditional civil service entrance exam. 

In November 2024, Gov. Maura Healey signed a $4 billion economic development bill that included reforms to the civil service system that give communities more options for filling essential municipal jobs. Part of that reform is a hybrid pathway that civil service departments can use to more easily identify and hire candidates for municipal positions outside of the traditional exam process.

Though Wakefield Police will still be accepting applications through the civil service entrance exam, the Department is also seeking applicants through a Local Register. 

To apply through the Local Register, applicants must be 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent, able to obtain a Class A License To Carry, have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, be a U.S. citizen, have no felony convictions, and be of good moral character.

Applicants also must meet one of five criteria: 

1. Future successful completion of a prescribed course of study at a police academy approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee pursuant to section 96B of Chapter 41.
2. Receipt of a passing mark within the past 5 years on:
   • A civil service examination for police officers administered by the administrator.
   • A qualifying examination administered by the appointing authority that has been validated by a test development expert and that tests the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the primary or dominant duties of the position.
   • Any other examination approved by the administrator in consultation with individuals deemed to be subject matter experts in the policing profession.
3. Current service in the commonwealth as a salaried police officer certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission.
4. Graduation within the past 5 years from a police academy approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee.
5. Receipt of a waiver from the Municipal Police Training Committee excusing the named candidate from further academy training.

The Wakefield Police Department is a certified law enforcement agency with 48 Officers assigned to Patrol, Detectives, K9 and School Resource Officers. 

The Department is currently seeking to fill vacancies for Patrol Officers. An online application can be found here. Applicants must also submit a current resume and cover letter.

Current POST-certified police officers are encouraged to apply.