By Carol Britton Meyer
The Hingham Police Department recently left the state Civil Service system and has scheduled the first Hingham Police Officer entrance exam on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9 a.m. at the new police/fire public safety building, 35 Essington Drive. This is the first step in the hiring process.
The Hingham Police Department transitioned away from the Massachusetts Civil Service system and now administers its own hiring process following a 2026 Town Meeting vote approving this change, “which allows the department to recruit qualified candidates more efficiently while maintaining the high professional standards our community expects,” Hingham Police Chief David Jones told the Hingham Anchor.
“The police department was removed from the Civil Service system in recognition of the benefits of a more flexible and responsive hiring process while preserving local oversight and accountability,” he said. “We encourage motivated individuals who are interested in serving one of Massachusetts’ premier communities to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking a rewarding career with a department that values professionalism, community engagement, and employee development.”
For more information or to register for the exam, go to https://hanrahan-consulting-store.myshopify.com/products/hingham-police-officer-entrance-exam-august-15-2026. The registration fee is $75. Sign-ups close 48 hours prior to the exam date.
Using its own entrance examination allows HPD to evaluate applicants based on the qualities that are essential to serving the community, including integrity, communication skills, critical thinking, and a demonstrated commitment to public service, according to Jones. “The new process also eliminates many of the delays associated with the Civil Service system, allowing HPD to hire exceptional candidates more quickly and better meet its staffing needs.”
In addition, “leaving the Civil Service system enables the department to recruit and hire highly qualified, Massachusetts-certified police officers seeking lateral transfers from other agencies. Under the previous Civil Service process, attracting and considering these experienced officers was significantly more challenging,” Jones explained. “This added flexibility allows Hingham to compete for proven law enforcement professionals who can bring valuable experience to the department, reduce training time, and enhance our ability to serve the community.”
This approach also broadens opportunities for prospective police officers. Individuals no longer need to wait for a statewide Civil Service examination or placement on an eligibility list to be considered for employment with the Hingham Police Department.
Instead, qualified applicants can apply directly and compete for positions based on their own merit.
“In keeping with our commitment to both our community and those who have served our nation, qualified veterans of the United States Armed Forces and Hingham residents will receive first consideration during the hiring process,” Jones said. “We believe this approach recognizes the invaluable leadership, discipline, and service of our military veterans while also encouraging members of our own community to pursue careers protecting the town they call home.”
Jones noted that this change affects only the testing and recruitment portions of the hiring process. “The Hingham Select Board remains the appointing authority for all police officer appointments, ensuring that the town’s longstanding oversight and appointment process remains unchanged.”