Entry-Level Police Officer

About Cranberry Township

 Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania has grown from a rural agricultural community to an international center of business and sought-after place to live.

Cranberry includes just over 23 square miles and a population of more than 30,000 – up from less than 15,000 in 1990. The largest municipality in Butler County, Cranberry is located 20 miles north of Pittsburgh at the intersection of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 79, and other major throughways.

That geography was the catalyst for a boom of economic development beginning in the 1990s. Corporations such as Westinghouse, MSA Safety Inc., and the Pittsburgh Penguins have since chosen to call Cranberry home. Through careful planning by the Board of Supervisors, coinciding population growth has been measured, sustained, and incremental, allowing the Township to grow in-step.

That includes expanding emergency services, infrastructure, and recreation offerings. The Township boasts three major municipal parks, a Waterpark, Sports Court Complex, and the award-winning Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, as well as endless programs, activities and community events aimed at creating a welcoming, diverse community.

About the Cranberry Township Police Department

The Cranberry Township Police Department has been proudly protecting and serving the community since 1956. From modest beginnings, the Department has grown to include 31 full-time police officers, including a Chief of Police and three Lieutenants who oversee the Investigations, Support Services, and Operations Divisions. The Patrol Services Unit is comprised of four Patrol Sergeants and 19 Patrol Officers. The Detective Unit is comprised of two Detectives and one officer assigned to the Pennsylvania State Police Auto Theft Task Force. The Department is supported by an outstanding clerical staff. The primary goal of the Cranberry Township Police Department is to continue to make Cranberry Township a safe and secure community for everyone that lives, works, or visits the area.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements: (1) be at least 21 years of age prior to offer of employment, (2) be U.S. citizen, (3) possess a valid driver's license, (4) have completed of 60 college credits verified by copies of transcripts from schools that are accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the U. S. Department of Education, (5) and meet one of the following: PA Act 120 certification; ability to obtain a waiver of training from PA Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) within 45 days after an offer of employment; or current enrollment in Act 120 training with a satisfactory completion date prior to expected date of hire.  Applicants must meet the Department’s appearance requirements, which includes a prohibition of visible tattoos when an officer is wearing the summer uniform (short sleeves). Sleeves, make-up, bandages or other covering are not permitted.

Working hours and conditions include weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts including daylights, afternoons, and midnights. Officers other than Lieutenants and Detectives or positions that require a flexible work schedule will work twelve (12) hour shifts. The successful candidate will be required to move within 20 air miles, from any border of the Township, within two years from the date of hire.

Salary and Benefits

 Salary and benefits are provided in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

A police officer for the Township of Cranberry will reach top salary in their 5th year of service. 2023 Starting Wage: $33.50; 2023 Wage after 4 years of service: $47.85 + contractual benefits, including overtime.

Benefits include: (1) leave benefits which are comprised of holiday pay for 10 holidays, 96 sick hours earned per year with an ability to accumulate up to 1152 hours, 80 hours of vacation after one year of service and the ability to earn compensatory time; (2) health benefits, including health insurance, vision and dental and (3) additional benefits such as a uniform allowance, death benefits, and a pension plan. 

Application Procedure:

 Individuals interested in this position should submit an application by May 21, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Applications are being accepted online only and can be found at https://www.policeapp.com/Entry-Level-Cranberry-Township-PA-Police-Officer-Jobs/4506/