Benefits / Why Join
We are committed to investing in our officers by providing competitive pay, outstanding benefits, specialized training, and opportunities for professional growth throughout every stage of their careers. Explore the benefits of joining our department below, and when you’re ready to take the next step, complete the application to begin your journey with the Hammond Police Department.
Hammond Police Department
More Than a Job.
A Calling.
Full Package
Benefits & Compensation
Compensation Competitive Salary Starting at $62,100+
Officers start with a strong base salary that grows steadily. After academy graduation, annual step increases reward dedication and longevity.
- Annual merit pay increases
- Overtime and special assignment pay
- Guaranteed 3.5% raises in 2027 and 2028
- Holiday pay premium rates
Insurance Health & Wellness Full Family Coverage
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance is extended to officers and their entire family — starting on day one.
- Low-cost premiums for officer and family
- Vision & dental fully included
- Mental health & counseling coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Retirement Pension & Retirement INPRS Defined Benefit
Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) provides a defined benefit pension — guaranteed retirement income based on your years of service.
- Defined benefit — not a 401(k) gamble
- Post-retirement health, dental & vision (after 15 years)
- Deferred compensation options (457b)
- Survivor benefit protection
Growth Education & Training We Invest in You
HPD pays for your academy training and actively supports continuing education — because a better-educated officer is a better officer.
- Paid Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA)
- Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
- Specialized unit certification programs
- Leadership & supervisor development tracks
Day One Equipment & Uniforms Fully Equipped
Everything you need to do your job is provided — from your badge to your patrol vehicle. You focus on the mission; we handle the gear.
- Full uniform and gear issued at no cost
- Annual $800 uniform allowance
- Take-home patrol vehicle (when eligible)
- Modern tactical equipment & technology
Schedule Work-Life Balance Flexible Scheduling
Law enforcement offers scheduling structures most careers can’t match — giving you blocks of time to recharge and be present with your family.
- 8-hour shift options with built-in days off
- 14 Paid holidays each year
- Up to 6 weeks (42 days) of vacation
- Generous sick leave policy
Career Advancement
Room to Grow. Fast!
At HPD, you’re not just a badge number. We actively develop talent. Whether you want to advance through the ranks — from Officer to Sergeant to Lieutenant and beyond — or specialize in an elite unit, we open the door.
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Popular Specialized Units You Can Join
- K-9 Unit
- SWAT / Tactical
- Criminal Investigations
- Traffic Division
- Community Policing
- Narcotics
- Gang Task Force
- School Resource Officers
Hear It From Our Officers
Real words from the people who show up every day.
Applications are accepted year-round, hiring is a small window. Do not miss it.
- U.S. Citizen, 21-39 yrs old at time of being hired
- Valid driver's license with clean record
- Pass physical fitness and written exams
- Pass psychological and medical evaluation
- High school diploma or GED required
- No felony convictions
- Pass background investigation & polygraph
- Must live within 25 miles of Hammond