After more than two decades, Peterborough’s police force is ready to add an additional officer to its ranks.
During May’s Town Meeting this year, voters approved an increased Police Department budget to accommodate half-a-year’s worth of salary for an additional full-time officer. The department has run on 11 full-time officers, including the police chief, for the past 22 years, but the amount of work the department does justified the need for an additional body, said Peterborough Police Chief Scott Guinard.
“Over 22 years, our call volume has increased to the point that we’re struggling to keep up, particularly on day shifts,” said Guinard.
The town approved the budget this year, which included a $32,368 increase specified to add an additional full-time officer to the force – that accounts for half a year’s salary and benefits, with the department hoping to add an officer by Jan. 1.
The department is currently advertising for an officer, full-time certification preferred, but not required, to start at a salary of $43,763.
The Peterborough Police Department is staffed 24 hours a day, and each shift is currently staffed with two uniformed officers. The additional officer would allow the department to put a uniformed officer on the streets with more regularity throughout the weekday.
The total cost of adding an officer is estimated to be approximately $60,000 per year, when benefits are taken into account.
Interested candidates are encouraged to send applications and resumes to the Peterborough Police Department.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244.