07/21/2026
THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER? WE'RE HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!
Sick of your job and ready for a career? Tired of mundane, repetitive tasks or sitting in an office all day? Come work with us in a career where no two days are the same. We offer competitive salaries, excellent health and retirement benefits, and countless opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
Every time we attend job fairs, community events, or simply speak with members of our community, we meet people who would likely make excellent police officers. Unfortunately, many of them never apply because they believe they're unqualified or ineligible for employment based on something they heard from a friend, read online, or simply assumed to be true. More often than not, that information is incorrect.
This guide is intended to answer some of the most common questions and misconceptions we hear from prospective applicants.
"I DONT HAVE A DEGREE OR MILITARY EXPERIENCE"
While a college degree is certainly a plus, it is not required. In fact, we place great value on the experience and perspective applicants bring from previous careers. Among the ranks of the Newport Police Department are former service members, construction workers, sales professionals, retail employees, tradespeople, and many others. Most careers develop valuable skills that translate well into law enforcement. Policing revolves around the ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, solve problems, think critically, and manage your time. Many professions do an excellent job of developing these abilities. In fact, some of the most successful officers we've hired are those who spent years in the private sector before making the transition into law enforcement later in life.
"I'M TOO OLD"
We do not have a maximum hiring age and actively encourage people with life experience to apply. Many people dream of becoming police officers when they're young, but life takes them in a different direction. If you've spent 15–20 years building another career, there's no reason you can't make the switch now. It is not uncommon to see recruits at the New Hampshire Police Academy in their mid-to-late 40s and, on occasion, even in their 50s.
"I CAN'T PASS THE PHYSICAL TEST"
This requirement is non-negotiable—but we're happy to help you prepare. New Hampshire is one of only four states in the country with an ongoing physical fitness requirement for law enforcement officers. As a result, our officers are among the fittest in the nation. Applicants are required to pass the 35th percentile for their age group on the Cooper Fitness Standards. While that standard seems daunting, it is a realistic and attainable goal with preparation.
Law enforcement can be physically demanding. There are certainly times when officers must defend themselves or others, restrain combative individuals, or respond to dangerous situations. However, the physical demands of the job often come in less obvious ways. Officers routinely push disabled vehicles off the roadway, assist EMS with lifting patients, remove road hazards, traverse difficult terrain, and perform many other physically demanding tasks. Although the 35th percentile is the minimum standard, Newport police officers take physical readiness seriously. Many of our officers regularly participate in weightlifting, distance running, hiking, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Some compete in endurance events, and others simply enjoy staying active together. We've found that many officers become more fit after joining the department. While some applicants initially struggle to meet the entrance standard, our department's culture of fitness and training naturally encourages officers to improve. There's a big difference between forcing yourself out of bed at 4:30 a.m. to exercise before sitting in an office all day and meeting your coworkers for a run, hike, or workout on your day off. If you're concerned about passing the physical test, reach out to us. We'd be happy to administer a mock fitness assessment, show you where you stand, and offer advice on how to improve. For many applicants, the biggest obstacle is the 1.5-mile run. The good news is that running requires very little equipment, and applicants often shave significant amounts of time off their run within just a few weeks of consistent training.
"I'VE MADE SOME STUPID DECISIONS IN THE PAST"
The following are automatic disqualifiers for police employment:
• Used ma*****na within the previous 12 months.
• Illegally used a controlled substance, other than ma*****na, within the previous 36 months, unless the applicant was under 21 years of age at the time of use, in which case 24 months applies.
• Manufactured, transported for sale, or sold a controlled substance.
• Used a controlled substance while employed in a law enforcement capacity.
• Received a dishonorable discharge from military service.
• Been convicted of a felony.
• Been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty, unlawful sexual conduct, physical violence, controlled substances, moral turpitude, or any offense that would cause a reasonable person to question the applicant's character, honesty, or suitability for employment.
Outside of these circumstances, every applicant and every situation is evaluated individually by the assigned background investigator. We understand that people make mistakes and that everyone has experiences they aren't proud of. We consider factors such as your age at the time, how much time has passed, the circumstances involved, and whether you've demonstrated personal growth since the incident. We WILL NOT hire someone if we have concerns about their integrity, honesty, or character. However, we also recognize that the person you were in your late teens or early twenties may not accurately reflect the person you are today.
It is the job of our background investigators, polygraph examiner, and psychological evaluator to determine who you are today and whether you're suitable for employment—not whether you've been perfect your entire life. If you're interested in applying but believe something in your background may be a concern, reach out to us anonymously. We'll gladly connect you with a background investigator who can provide an honest opinion before you begin the hiring process.
"I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE ACADEMY..."
“I can't leave my family for four months”
The New Hampshire Police Academy is sixteen weeks long. Years ago, the academy required recruits to live on campus and only return home on weekends. Today, the academy operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and recruits return home every evening. Unlike many other states, New Hampshire hires officers before they attend the academy. You cannot attend the academy independently to obtain certification. That means you are paid your full salary while attending, the department covers all academy expenses, and we provide you with a department vehicle for your daily commute.
“I wasn't a good student”
The academy is designed specifically for adult learners and uses teaching methods intended for people who haven't been in a classroom for years. Success isn't based solely on memorizing material. Instead, recruits learn through classroom instruction, hands-on practical exercises, scenario-based training, and group discussions designed to build a true understanding of the material. The instructors want you to understand the concepts—not simply memorize information for an exam. You'll have plenty of time to study and will be surrounded by experienced instructors who are committed to helping every recruit succeed.
DON'T COUNT YOURSELF OUT!
If you think you'd be a good fit for our department—or even if you're simply curious—please reach out. We'd much rather answer your questions than have you miss out on a career you'd truly enjoy.
If you'd like more information, contact Sergeant Alexander Marvin at [email protected] or 603-863-3232.
If you're ready for a new challenge and and rewarding career, submit your application today through:
https://www.policeapp.com/Entry-Level-Newport-NH-Police-Officer-Jobs/2556/
