Derry Township - Police Officer

The Derry Township Police Department, located in Hershey, Dauphin County, is currently accepting applications for full-time ACT 120 certified police officers.

Officers will find themselves working in one of the most dynamic jurisdictions in the Commonwealth. Derry Township encompasses nearly 28 square miles, has a residential population of 27,000 people, and hosts over five million visitors annually as the Township is home to prosperous entertainment, manufacturing, educational, corporate and healthcare industries.

The department consists of 60 employees with a complement of 44 sworn officers serving in various Patrol, Criminal Investigation, K9, Bike, Community Policing, School Resource Officer, Motorcycle, Traffic Safety, Motor Carrier Enforcement, Drone, and Honor Guard units, as well as numerous county-wide and federal investigative and response task forces.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must currently be ACT 120 Certified.
• Must be a United States citizen and 21 years of age or older as of January 1st, 2026.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License. Out of state applicants must obtain a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License within 60 days of hire or upon entrance to the police academy.
• Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be capable of possessing requisite skills, knowledge and abilities of a police officer. In addition, you must be physically and psychologically able to perform the essential functions of a police officer and be of good moral character.
• Must pass a written examination and a Physical Agility Test (PAT).
• Must conform to Derry Township Police Department General Order 26.3 regarding Appearance & Grooming at the time hire.
• Upon hire, officers must complete a minimum one-year probationary training period.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

Deadline for submitting applications is  May 31, 2026. All applications must be submitted via PoliceApp.

Applications must be accompanied by a resume and a Medical Release form, which can be uploaded to PoliceApp or presented at the time of testing. No written recommendations or other training certificates will be accepted at this time. Application fees are non-refundable.

 The physical agility and written examinations will be completed via open testing on a date to be determined between DTPD and each individual applicant. The exams must be completed no later than July 17, 2026.  Applicants will receive additional information upon submission.  

Finalists will be required to undergo a thorough background investigation, psychological and medical testing, oral interview, and a polygraph examination. Final hiring decisions are expected to be made the week of August 24, 2026.

Preferential scoring points will be awarded to applicants based upon honorable military service and educational achievements.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Starting Salary During Probationary Period: $54,000.00
• Base Salary Upon Completion of Probationary Period: $84,205.94 
• Base Salary After 5 Years: $106,087.22
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation, Personal Leave & Sick Leave
• Vision, Dental & Health Insurance for employee & dependents
• Uniforms & Equipment provided to include body armor and annual uniform allowance
• Shift Differential & Overtime Allowances (estimated $5,300 annually)
• Twelve-Hour Patrol Shifts with alternating weekends off
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Plan with available In-Service Retirement Option

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Derry Township Police Department does not discriminate on the basis of Age, Gender, Marital Status, Race, Color, Creed, National Origin, Political Affiliation, Religion, or Disability. Any person who needs an accommodation in accordance with the American’s With Disabilities Act during the application process contact 717-533-5498.

Please direct questions regarding this position to: rfdemmel@derrytownship.org