Police Officer

Applications are due by Friday, January 2, 2026 at 3pm.

The Bethlehem Police Department is looking for the best and brightest recruits to become members of the 8th largest police department in the State of Pennsylvania.  The Bethlehem Police Department offers competitive salaries and benefits as well as the chance to serve others.  Whether you’re local or from outside of the Lehigh Valley, a range of rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities await you at BPD.  Please take a few moments to find out more information about the rewards and benefits of becoming a Bethlehem Police Officer.  

We are currently offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus!

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary is $69,870, with the first increase 6 months after date of hire (2026 rate)
• Officers reach top salaries (step E) after just 3.5 years of service - Top base salary in 2026 is $92,768
• Annual longevity payments of up to $4,900
• Applicants that must attend a police academy receive full pay and benefits
• Pension plan: 50% after 20 years of service, no minimum age requirement
• Matching contributions toward deferred compensation plan
• Health insurance with Capital Blue Cross, offering several custom plans for you and your family
• Life Insurance, Dental Plans and Optical Plans for you and your family, and individual and family prescription plans
• Tuition reimbursement, up to $15,000 per year, available for continuing education toward bachelor's masters
• Financial bonus for bachelor's, master's, and law degrees after five years of service
• Sick leave with payment for unused sick days after maximum is achieved
• No-cost uniforms and equipment, including ballistic vests plus clothing allowances
• Five weeks of vacation for top level officers, four personal days per year for all officers, plus funeral leave and military leave policies
• No residency requirement
• Patrol Officers work a 5-3/5-2 schedule (five days worked, three days off, five days worked, two days off) with three platoons that rotate day and middle shifts, and voluntary steady night shifts
• Differential pay for various shifts, overtime pay with option of compensatory time, 13 paid holidays with bonus pay and longevity pay based on time in service
• Court appearance plan
• Officers are members of the Fraternal Order of Police 

The above benefits are contractual agreements between the Fraternal Order of Police, Star Lodge No. 20 and the City of Bethlehem and are valid through 12/31/2026.