Entry Level Police Exam FAQ

Absolutely! While in the Academy new hires receive “cadet pay” which is approximately $28/hr. Upon successful completion of the Academy, pay is increased to the base new hire level.

Academy classes begin when a suitable number of recruits have been accepted for training. Actual class sizes vary from session to session. Depending upon the number of available recruits for your class, you may experience a wait of several weeks or even months between your acceptance and the beginning of academy training. The usual time between classes from their start date is two (2) months.

The Abington Township Police Department’s Officer pay scale is competitive with every police department in the state of Pennsylvania.

• In 2024 the Base Salary for a new hire with no prior police experience is $91,501. This does not include shift differential which new hires receive once they are assigned a platoon.
• For those with prior police experience, the Chief of Police has the discretion to increase the starting salary up to $104,637.
• If you are hired and need the Police Academy, while in the Academy new hires receive “cadet pay” which is approximately $28/hr. Upon successful completion of the Academy, pay is increased to the base new hire level.

The Abington Township Police Department offers excellent medical, dental and eye plans for new hires and their family.

After you have been employed with the department for three (3) years, you are eligible to become an Investigator or join a Specialized Unit.

Every applicant must participate and successfully complete all phases of the hiring process. This is governed by our Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

Everyone must participate and successfully pass the entire hiring process. There is no benefit afforded to those who may already be an officer with another department. This is governed by our Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

The police academy training period is twenty-one weeks long. Upon becoming a sworn officer, you will have an additional twelve weeks of Field Training. Housing is not provided at the academy; you attend class during the day and go home afterward.

No, you will be required to pay for all of the necessary physical training gear. The Abington Township Police Department does provide your uniform.

The Abington Township Police Department encourages every officer to find time to increase their education, but basic law enforcement training is extremely demanding, and the requirements of the department take priority. Employees may be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement if they are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning.

No.  You do no need Act 120 prior to the written exam. For those who are not certified prior to being hired, the Department will pay for candidates to attend the Police Academy while also paying them a salary.

We typically test every year to keep a current list of candidates. At this time, our 2024 application process has closed.  We expect to start accepting applications in the spring of 2025 with the testing process to take place (Written, Physical, and Oral Interview) next summer.