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Police Officers serve as essential guardians of public safety in the Town of Nantucket. They are responsible for enforcing local, state, and federal laws; preventing and investigating crime; and responding to both emergency and non-emergency situations. Officers patrol assigned areas, conduct thorough investigations, and work collaboratively with fellow officers, town departments, and partner agencies to uphold public trust and maintain order. 

Beyond traditional enforcement duties, Nantucket Police Officers are expected to play a proactive role in enhancing the community’s quality of life. This includes engaging in community policing, building strong and respectful relationships with residents and visitors, and supporting programs and initiatives that promote safety, equity, and well-being. Officers must exercise sound judgment, demonstrate professionalism and integrity, and make critical decisions under pressure while protecting life, property, and the rights of all individuals. Work hours may include nights, weekends, holidays, and unscheduled extensions with little notice.  

SUPERVISION REQUIRED: 

Full-time Police Officers work under the direction of the Operations Lieutenant or their designee.   

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

The position exercises no supervisory responsibilities. 

CONFIDENTIALITY: 

Officers have access to sensitive and confidential information, including criminal investigations and personal data. 

JUDGEMENT: 

Discretion, ethical conduct, and sound judgment are essential to maintain individual privacy, the integrity of investigations, and the public’s trust.

COMPLEXITY: 

This role involves high levels of stress and unpredictability, including time-sensitive demands, rapidly evolving emergencies, and high-stakes decision-making. Officers must be able to quickly assess dynamic situations, prioritize tasks effectively, and adapt to changing conditions.   

ACCOUNTABILITY: 

Mistakes in judgment or procedure can result in confusion, operational delays, heightened risk to public and officer safety, and legal or reputational consequences for the department. 

JOB ENVIRONMENT: 

Police Officers perform their duties primarily in the field, often under unpredictable and adverse weather conditions. The role includes frequent exposure to situations that pose significant personal safety risks. Due to the inherently hazardous nature of law enforcement work, officers must consistently demonstrate resilience, maintain situational awareness, and strictly adhere to safety protocols. Officers are expected to operate police cruisers, utilize specialized law enforcement equipment, and manage standard office technology while responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, and engaging in community policing efforts.   

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF RELATIONSHIPS: 

The position involves regular and direct interaction with the public and requires consistent professionalism, courtesy, and clear communication.  

 

Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement and community service functions to protect life, preserve public order, prevent and investigate crime, and safeguard property. Officers are expected to carry out these duties with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to public service. 

Public Safety and Crime Prevention 

• Protect life and property through proactive law enforcement, crime prevention strategies, and community engagement. 

• Patrol assigned areas to deter crime, ensure public safety, and respond to emergencies. 

• Be alert to conditions that contribute to criminal activity and take preventive action to address them. 

• Maintain a visible presence to foster a sense of security within the community. 

• Respond immediately to calls for service, including accidents, disturbances, and hazardous conditions. 

• Preserve public peace by addressing disputes, disturbances, and other situations requiring police intervention. 

• Perform additional police-related tasks as assigned by the Chief of Police or a designee. 

Patrol Duties 

• Conduct preventive patrol by foot, bicycle, or vehicle in an assigned area, ensuring coverage of high-crime locations. 

• Maintain detailed knowledge of the assigned patrol area, including residences, businesses, landmarks, and emergency access routes.   

• Observe and question suspicious individuals and issue citations or take appropriate enforcement action when necessary. 

• Conduct public assembly and building security checks. 

• Report streetlight and traffic signal malfunctions, road hazards, and other public safety concerns. 

• Check schools, parks, and playgrounds to ensure safety and security. 

Law Enforcement and Investigations 

• Apprehend individuals violating the law or wanted by law enforcement. 

• Conduct thorough investigations of crimes, accidents, and incidents. 

• Collect, document, and secure evidence properly for prosecution and case resolution. 

• Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects to gather case-related information. 

• Prepare detailed incident reports, arrest reports, and investigation reports as required. 

• Preserve and process crime scenes to maintain evidence integrity. 

• Confer with prosecutors and testify in court when required. 

Traffic and Public Safety Enforcement 

• Direct and regulate traffic flow at intersections and congested areas to prevent accidents and protect pedestrians. 

• Enforce parking regulations and motor vehicle laws. 

• Identify and address hazardous traffic conditions, taking appropriate enforcement action when needed. 

• Assist with security and traffic control at public events and special details. 

• Investigate motor vehicle crashes and document findings in official reports. 

Emergency Response and Assistance 

• Respond to all emergency calls promptly, including those involving medical emergencies, crimes in progress, and public disturbances. 

• Render first aid when qualified and necessary. 

• Assist individuals in distress or those needing police services.

• Coordinate with other emergency services, including fire and medical personnel, as required. 

Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance 

• Operate police vehicles, ensuring they are well-maintained, clean, and properly equipped. 

• Inspect vehicles at the beginning of each shift, reporting any defects or missing equipment. 

• Maintain firearms, radios, and other issued equipment in good working order. 

• Ensure police radios remain operational at all times and comply with departmental communication directives. 

Communications and Documentation 

• Keep accurate, thorough and timely records of all activities, investigations, and enforcement actions. 

• Relay relevant information to supervisors and fellow officers to support continuity in operations. 

• Serve legal process documents, such as warrants, subpoenas, and summonses, in accordance with department procedures. 

• Maintain open communication with dispatchers, following all department radio procedures and FCC regulations. 

Technology and Information Management 

• Utilize a variety of software platforms for incident reporting, scheduling, investigations, and communications. 

• Quickly adapt to new technology and tools introduced by the department to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and public service. 

• Maintain accurate and secure digital records, ensuring compliance with department directives and data privacy regulations. 

• Operate body-worn cameras, digital evidence systems, and other technological equipment in accordance with training and procedures. 

Professionalism and Conduct 

• Exercise authority within legal and ethical boundaries while remaining accountable to supervisors and the community. 

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical policing. 

• Work collaboratively with fellow officers, department personnel, and external agencies to achieve police objectives. 

• Obey all lawful orders from superior officers and maintain discipline within the department. 

• Provide courteous service to the public, assisting those seeking information or support. 

 

Officers are expected to fulfill all duties with vigilance, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the Nantucket community.

 

 Required minimum qualifications:

A. Education and Experience: 
1. High school diploma or equivalent 
2. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts driver's license 
3. Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts Firearms License 
4. Upon hire, completion of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Basic Recruit Officer Police Academy 
5. Must satisfy all requirements set forth by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) for certification as a Police Officer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts   
6. Upon hire, completion of the Nantucket Police Department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program   
B. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
1. Attentive customer service skills and the ability to effectively deal with difficult people and communicate in a variety of different situations 
2. Ability to work and deal pleasantly with co-workers and the public, both in person and by telephone in a courteous and tactful manner 
3. Ability to reason and react quickly in a rapidly changing environment 
4. Ability to understand and follow instructions, and to work independently when required 
5. Ability to accurately record and maintain records and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing   
6. Ability to learn and effectively navigate the community including streets, businesses and areas of interest is beneficial 
7. Ability to be certified and perform CPR and first-responder basic first-aid 
8. Ability to type on a keyboard and comprehend department software, systems and technology platforms 

 

All full-time police officers must satisfactorily complete: 
1. Pre-appointment and recurrent in-service training requirements of the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) 
2. Other Department required training related to: 
a. Directives and any related revisions 
b. Equipment, technology and facilities 
c. Jurisdiction or community specific 
d. Any other required specialized training 
3. Criminal Background Check:  Applicants must be of good character to be employed in a sensitive public safety position.  A criminal background check will be performed on candidates.   
4. Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission Requirements: [32.2.5] 
a. Must be a full-time sworn Massachusetts POST certified police officer prior to appointment 
b. Must maintain Massachusetts POST certification throughout employment as a sworn police officer 
c. Pursuant to the POST Law Enforcement Certification Standards, police officer candidates must meet the minimum LEO Certification Standards prior to assuming any sworn position. These qualifications include: 
1) Attaining the age of 21; 
2) The successful completion of high school or equivalent; 
3) Successful completion of the basic training program approved by the MPTC; 
4) Successful completion of a physical and psychological fitness evaluation approved by the POST Commission; 
5) Successful completion of a state and national background check; 
6) Passage of a POST Commission approved LEO Examination; 
7) Possession of current first aid and CPR certificates or equivalent; 
8) Successful completion of a POST prescribed oral interview ; and, 
9) Be of good moral character and fit for employment in law enforcement, as determined by the POST Commission. 
d. The POST Commission will not provide certification or recertification to a person who: 
1) Does not meet the minimum standards contained in section II or any POST Commission regulations; 
2) Has been convicted of a felony or whose name is listed in the national decertification index, or the database of decertified law enforcement officers maintained by the Commission pursuant to clause (i) of subsection (a) of section 13 of the Act; or, 
3) While previously employed in law enforcement in any state or United States territory or by the federal government, would have had their certification revoked by the Commission if employed by an agency in the Commonwealth. G.L. c. 6E, §4(2). 
*In compliance with G.L. c. 6E, § 4(g), which provides that, “No agency shall appoint or employ a person as a law enforcement officer unless the person is certified by the commission,” continued employment is made contingent upon the law enforcement officer obtaining and maintaining their certification with the POST.  Full-time officers, part-time officers, or any sworn officer who are decertified by POST may not be employed by NPD.

 

XII. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
A. Must have sufficient manual dexterity and physical flexibility to bend and reach to complete the full range of operational tasks. 
B. Position may involve standing, walking, sitting or driving for entire work periods. 
C. Any established fitness standards for full-time officers.  
D. Work may be required beyond the established workday.