WEST CHESTER, PA — With competitive salaries, a defined-benefit pension, and access to specialized units, the Westtown–East Goshen Regional Police Department has launched a hiring drive for a full-time police officer, setting a January 30 deadline for applications.
The accredited department, which serves Westtown and East Goshen townships just south of West Chester, polices roughly 30,000 residents across about 19 square miles. Officials say the opening reflects a continued effort to attract experienced, career-minded officers as regional departments compete for qualified candidates.
Starting pay ranges from $78,222.89 for officers with less than one year of prior law enforcement experience to $97,777.36 for those with three or more years. The top patrol officer salary reaches $130,369.81 after six years of service, based on 2026 figures.
Beyond base pay, the department is offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance; paid vacation, personal, sick, and holiday leave; college incentives and tuition reimbursements; and a defined-benefit pension plan. The agency also contributes 1.5 percent to a 457K retirement plan, provides uniforms and equipment, and reimburses gym memberships, along with shoe and cleaning allowances.
The department advertises a range of future specialty opportunities, including the Criminal Investigation Division, Traffic Safety Unit, School Resource Officer assignments, drone operations, bicycle patrol, firearms instruction, community services, and the West Chester Regional Emergency Response Team.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, certified under MPOETC Act 120, and possess a high school diploma or GED. U.S. citizenship, a valid driver’s license, and the medical and physical ability to perform essential duties are also required.
The selection process includes a written exam, physical agility test, oral board interview, extensive background and criminal history investigation, polygraph examination, medical and psychological evaluations, drug screening, and a credit check.
Resumes must clearly demonstrate compliance with all minimum qualifications and can be submitted in person or by mail to the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department at 1041 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA 19382. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026.
Officials say the opening offers a rare combination of top-tier compensation and professional growth in one of Chester County’s busiest regional departments, as agencies statewide vie to recruit the next generation of officers.
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