Bensalem Township - Police Officer

Job Announcement:

A Bensalem Township Police Officer is responsible for the protection of persons and property, and to preserve the peace. Bensalem Township Police Officers are duly appointed law enforcement officers who hold police powers under state and local statutes. After extensive training at a certified Pennsylvania State Police Academy, and completion of a 14-week Field Training Officer (FTO) program, police officers will be assigned in uniform to regular patrol duties.

INFORMATION FOR BENSALEM TOWNSHIP POLICE APPLICANTS

***UPDATE: TESTING INFORMATION HAD CHANGED***

                     Bensalem Township Police testing will be administered in SEPTEMBER 6, 2025.                                          The physical and written test will be administered at:

Bensalem High School, 4319 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020

Time: Check in start time 730 AM  Check in ends at 830 AM 

Applicants must bring a valid ID

Late arrivals are disqualified

Minimum Qualifications

All successful candidates for the position of Bensalem Township Police Officer must meet the
following minimum qualifications.

1. The applicant must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
2. The applicant must be a United States citizen.
3. Every applicant for any position in the police department shall possess a diploma from an accredited high school or a graduate equivalency diploma. In addition, at time of appointment, each applicant shall have obtained an Associate's degree or possess
   sixty (60) credits towards a degree from an accredited college or university; or have two (2) years continuous experience as a full-time police officer or two (2) years of honorable active duty service in the United States military. In lieu of the above, an
   applicant must have served as a member of the military reserves or national guard for two (2) years and possess thirty (30) credits from an accredited college or university; or been employed as a part-time police officer for two (2) continuous years and possess
   thirty (30) credits from an accredited college or university
4. Possession of a valid PA driver's license is required prior to appointment.
5. The applicant must be able to pass a job-related physical and a psychological examination.
6. Must establish and maintain residency within 12 miles of the boundaries of Bensalem Township within 15 months of hire.

Processing Procedures

Some reasons an applicant may be rejected for the position of Bensalem Township Police Officer.
1. Conviction for any felony or misdemeanor.
2. Discharged or forced resignation from employment or documented job-related disciplinary action.
3. The use of any controlled dangerous substance (narcotic or non-narcotic) not prescribed by licensed medical practitioners.
4. Make false statements or falsifying documents in any part of the selection process.

This list is not intended to be all inclusive, and the right is reserved to reject any applicant who does not meet the standards of the Bensalem Township Police Department.

Selection Process

A. Filing Applications

Applications must be completed properly. Failure to complete any part of the application or submit an incomplete application or form will result in rejection from the testing process. Please read all documents carefully. Good luck in the process.  

 Applications for positions in the police department shall be filed at https://www.policeapp.com/Entry-Level-Bensalem-Township-PA-Police-Officer-Jobs/1630/

B. Preliminary Screening

Applications initially will be screened to ensure that all applicants meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated in the job announcement for the position of Police Officer.

C. Physical Fitness Test

Candidates will be required to perform a variety of physical exercises as outlined in the application packet in accordance with state standards.  The Physical Fitness portion consists of:

• Push ups (1 min)
• Sit ups (1 min)
• 1.5 mile run (timed)
• Passing must meet the minimum 30th Percentile range, based on your age and gender per Cooper and MPOTEC standards. Information on testing can be found on the physical fitness form. Applicants will have sign a waiver the day of test to participate in the physical fitness test. Failure to sign the waiver, will disqualify you from the application process. 

D. Written Test

Candidates will be given a written examination in order to screen and obtain the best possible candidate for a police officer.

E. Oral Board Assessment

Successful candidates from the written and physical fitness test will partake in an oral board assessment by a panel of police and civilian personnel.

F. Oral Review

All candidates that have successfully completed all previous stages of the selection process and are being considered for employment will be given an oral review. The oral review will consist of an interview by the Director of Public Safety and the Deputy Director of Public Safety.

G. Background Investigation

A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on all applicants who are being considered for employment.  The background investigation will entail criminal record checks, employment verification/history, military records, driving record, character references, credit check and high school/college graduation verifications on each applicant eligible for employment. The background investigation will be completed prior to an offer of employment.

H. Medical Examination

Candidates who complete a successful background investigation will have to undergo a medical examination.  All candidates will be advised of the results of their medical examination in writing upon completion of the examination. Candidates that are disqualified during this phase will be advised within 30 calendar days of the specific area causing disqualification. The medical examination will include testing for the use of unlawful drugs.

I. Psychological Evaluation

Candidates who completed a successful medical examination will have to undergo a psychological evaluation. Candidates will be given a battery of psychological tests. These tests will be used to evaluate/ measure an applicant's emotional stability and psychological fitness for police work. Results of all candidate's psychological evaluations will be retained in their confidential applicant file. Candidates that are disqualified during this phase will be advised within 30 calendar days of the specific area causing disqualification.

J. Polygraph Examination

Candidates who completed a successful psychological evaluation will have to undergo a polygraph examination. Candidates will be required to fill out a personal data questionnaire and undergo a polygraph examination. Candidates that are disqualified during this phase will be advised within 30 calendar days of the specific area causing disqualification.

NOTE: Applicants who fail to meet a scheduled appointment without prior notification will be removed from the hiring process.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Salary

Under current police contract, the starting base salary is $75,074.11. Top salary is reached after 49 months of employment. The top base salary for police officer is $137,406.00. 

Benefits

- Paid life insurance, medical, dental, and pension.
- Uniform, weapons, and equipment provided by the Department.
- Paid vacation, personal days, and holiday pay.
- College incentive pay after 5 years.
- 457 deferred contribution by Bensalem Township

Please direct questions regarding this position to policerecruitment@bensalempa.gov