Salary

Starting salary for a Newark police officer is $60,159 (1/1/23) while attending the police academy and through the end of the first year of service.

The salary rises to $61,895 after completion of one year of service. Salary range tops out at over $104,000 per year unless promoted to a higher rank.

Annual step raises, varying between 3 - 4 %, are given throughout your career, plus any additional raises negotiated by contract.

Ample overtime opportunities at time and a half pay.

Hiring Bonus

No prior police service: The City will provide a $10,000 hiring bonus to new hires that do not qualify for the Prior Sworn Police Officer bonus detailed below.  

Prior Sworn Police Officers: The City will provide a $20,000 hiring bonus to new hires that are Delaware Council on Police Training ("COPT") certified police officers OR are Delaware police academy exempt based on their police certification in another state.  The determination of academy exemption is made by the Delaware COPT after submission of training records.  

The hiring bonus is payable upon completion of field training (approximately 9-12 months after date of hire for non-certified officers and 6-12 weeks after Delaware certification for certified officers).

Contact a recruiter for further information.

Fringe Benefits Information

Newark police officers enjoy an outstanding fringe benefits package that could pay for gym memberships and routine preventative care. In addition, employees are permitted to choose from various plans for dependents at a very low cost. The following benefits are available:

• Health – 100% paid for employee. For dependents, employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
• Dental (including orthodontics) - 100% paid for employee. For dependents, employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
• Vision - 100% paid for employee. For dependents, employee pays 17.5% of the cost.
• Use of full fitness center within the police department and option for reimbursement of membership fees at outside fitness centers
• Reimbursement for participation in fitness events (5k runs, marathons, etc.)
• Paid wellness incentives
• Life Insurance Options 
• Annual clothing and/or cleaning allowance
• After achieving 3 years of service, an annual payment of $1,000 for possession of a Bachelor's Degree and $1,250 for possession of an advanced degree

Full Pension Benefits

The Newark Police Department participates in the State of Delaware County and Municipal Police/Firefighter Pension plan.

This pension plan provides full pension benefits after 20 years of service at 50% of the average of the highest 36 months of salary. Employees earn an additional 3.5% service credit each year after 20 years of service.  Retirement is mandatory at age 55 or 34 years of service, whichever comes first.  Employees are also entitled to disability and death benefits.  Full details about the plan can be found here. 

The City also provides a Retirement Health Savings Plan to which both the City and the Employee contribute.  These funds can be used upon retirement to pay for health benefits.

Time-Off & Leave

13 paid holidays annually - An officer required to work on a holiday receives additional pay and time off

2 weeks of paid vacation after 1 year of service 

3 weeks of paid vacation after 5 years of service

4 weeks of paid vacations after 10 years of service 

5 weeks of paid vacation after 15 years of service 

5½ weeks of paid vacation after 20 years of service

Employees accumulate 10 hours per month of sick time. In addition, an annual sick time bonus of 24 hours is provided to officers who utilize minimal sick time. After reaching 720 hours of accumulated sick time, the City buys back the excess sick time on a yearly basis. The City also provides leave for emergencies, bereavement, military and service on jury duty.

Additional Benefits

In addition to providing a highly competitive wage and fringe benefit package, the City of Newark also provides the following:

• Full salary during attendance at the police academy and provides all necessary academy equipment 
• Paid attendance at additional police training beyond the academy 
• Payment for tuition and books towards a Bachelor's Degree
• All required uniforms and equipment are provided.

There are no residency restrictions for Newark police officers. 

The City currently provides take home vehicles for some police officers.  All police officers are expected to have take home vehicles by early 2024.