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Welcome to the
Reading Police Department

The Reading Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety and service to the citizens and business people within the community. The members of the Department are empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the By Laws of the Town of Reading to ensure that the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods are maintained, and that crime and fear of crime are reduced. We emphasize and value integrity, honesty, impartiality, and professionalism from our members in order to create an environment that values differences and fosters fairness and flexibility in our mission. We encourage citizen input and interaction that will assist us in developing sound partnerships between the community and police. Working together we can protect our future and enhance the quality of life for everyone within the town.

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It is the policy of the Reading Police Department to hire, recruit, train and promote employees without discrimination because of race, religion, color, political affiliation, physical disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or age.

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The Town will develop, implement and maintain a positive Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program to prevent discrimination, and the Town and all of its employees will carry out the policy.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

All candidates for employment as sworn police officers must meet the following qualifications. By registering for this exam, you agree that you meet these minimum qualifications. Failure to do so may result in your disqualification for employment.

  • Must be a United States Citizen (birth or naturalized) upon appointment to the Police Academy;

  • Be at least 21 years of age on date of appointment;

  • Have obtained an associates degree or higher, or have earned equivalent credits toward a degree, and/or Military or Law Enforcement experience;

  • Must have the ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts Firearms License to Carry;

  • Must pass written entrance examination;

  • Must pass oral interviews;

  • Must pass a thorough background investigation prior to employment;
    * No person, who has been convicted of a felony or any offense punishable under M.G.L. Chapter 94C (drug law violations); or has been convicted of a misdemeanor and has been confined to any jail or house of correction as punishment for said crime, M.G.L. Chapter 22C Section 14, will be considered for employment.

  • Must pass physical fitness test;

  • Must pass medical examination;

  • Must pass psychological examination;

  • Must have a valid Massachusetts driver's license on date of appointment;

  • In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 22C section 10, no officer or student officer appointed or hired after January 1, 1988 shall smoke any tobacco product.

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BASIC DUTIES OF A POLICE OFFICER:

Duties shall consist of, but are not necessarily limited to, a number of general police responsibilities necessary to the stability and safety of the community. A Patrol Officer shall be expected to:

  • Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and, where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings.

  • Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through preventive patrol and other measures.

  • Aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm.

  • Facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

  • Identify problems that are potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems.

  • Create and maintain a feeling of security in the community.

  • Promote and preserve the peace.

  • Provide other services on an emergency basis.

  • Protect constitutional guarantees.

  • Assist those who can not care for themselves.

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IMPORTANT EXAM DAY DETAILS:

EXAM DATE: Saturday, November 16, 2019

LOCATION: Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA

CHECK-IN begins at 8:15am.  Doors close promptly at 9:00am. No admittance after 9:00am.

DEADLINE for Registration:  The deadline to register is midnight on Wednesday, November 13th, or when the maximum number of participants has been reached.

EXAM CONFIRM: A courtesy exam confirmation letter will be emailed once the registration period has ended.​ This is sent out only as a courtesy reminder notice. As such, you are responsible for knowing in advance all the exam details needed for Saturday's test!

EACH CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO:

  • Submit your completed online Candidate Questionnaire and Essay Questions
    no later than 9:00am the day before the exam or you will be disqualified. Do not wait until the last minute as you will want to make sure you have no problem logging in to complete your submissions. If you wait until the the last minute, we will not have the necessary time to provide technical support, and

  • Bring to the exam your valid photo ID, and (2) No. 2 pencils. You may also bring a water.

  • Do NOT bring your cell phone or any other smart device with you to the exam. NO EXCEPTIONS! Anyone found with a smart device will be automatically disqualified from the testing process, and asked to leave.

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We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 16th!

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Should you be hired by The Reading Police Department, below is a list of benefits the Department offers:

  • Competitive pay scale,

  • Education incentives,

  • Health insurance,

  • Dental insurance,

  • Life insurance,

  • Flexible spending accounts,

  • Deferred compensation plan,

  • Credit union, and

  • Direct deposit

Reading PD 2019 Exam: Our Station
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