Abington P.D.'s Proud Female Officers

If you are a woman seeking a rewarding career in law enforcement with a progressive, internationally accredited suburban police agency, the Abington Township Police Department wants to hear from you!

Located in beautiful Montgomery County, PA Abington P.D. has a long and proud history of employing female police officers that stretches back more than a quarter of a century. Our first two women officers, Ellen Thornton and Carole Sillars, began with APD back in 1978. Today nine women carry an APD badge and the Police Department is proud to have them within its ranks.

…it is a benefit to be a woman in law enforcement because of the unique qualities that women bring to a police department. At Abington, the gender differences don't inhibit the camaraderie I have with my male counterparts. I feel as much a part of the team as the male officers.

- Detective Lisa Burton

 

It's no exaggeration to say that opportunities abound for women at APD. In recent years female officers have been promoted to supervisor, assigned to the Detective Bureau, and served as part of the Department's Tactical Team. APD's women officers have also participated in undercover drug investigations, helped train new recruits as Field Training Officers, worked with our Bike Patrol and participated in many of our Community Policing initiatives. And because we are concerned about attracting quality female applicants, Abington P.D. is a also a member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.

….Abington is one of the most progressive departments in this area, and I am treated as an equal by my coworkers.

- Officer Cindy Pettinato

 

The competitive salary and excellent benefits provided to Abington Police Officers help our female personnel achieve their personal as well as professional goals. Tuition reimbursement, for example, lets officers pursue college or graduate courses, while those with degrees receive additional compensation for their educational achievements.

2008 Salary Data			Benefits
Starting Salary	$51,362		Health Care
After 12 Months	$54,926		Dental Care
After 24 Months	$58,733		Prescription Plan
After 36 Months	$62,807		Vision Care
After 48 Months	$67,163		Life Insurance
After 60 Months	$71,816		Pension
			Tax-deferred retirement savings plan
			Paid Holidays & Vacation

And although there is no requirement that police officers live within the Township, new officers soon discover that the Abington community encompasses a variety of friendly, attractive neighborhoods. It is truly a great to place to live, work, and enjoy all of the cultural and recreational opportunities in the greater Philadelphia area.

What's more, Abington is also a great place to raise a family, with schools second to none. The Abington School District , which works in close partnership with the Police Department, has a remarkable record of achievement. The School District was recently cited by Money Magazine as one of the Top 100 School Districts in "towns you can afford." In addition, Abington was selected as the host site for the Governor of Pennsylvania's first Safe Schools Summit. In addition, Abington Senior High School was named as one on only nine schools nationwide for the U.S. Department of Education's Safe and Drug Free Schools Recognition Program.

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It's a challenging career. You get to work with the community and you're always learning something new. With the size of the Department there are a number of different programs you can become involved with along with plenty of advancement opportunites.

- Officer Tammy Gillispie

 

So how can you join the Abington Police team?

APD conducts a competitive written test for police applicants once per year, usually in late June. Applications typically become available in late March or early April. Be sure to check our web site periodically to see if applications are being accepted. However, an even better strategy is to let us know of your interest ahead of time via e-mail. Our recruitment committee will be sure to notify you when the test is coming up.

 

In addition to the written exam, candidates need to pass a physical agility test and undergo an interview conducted by a panel of APD personnel. Following that, candidates must undergo a background investigation and polygraph exam, as well as medical and psychological examinations.

Qualified military veterans receive preference points as provided for in Pennsylvania Civil Service law. Newly hired officers without approved police training (Act 120) must attend a regional police academy at APD's expense. All uniforms an equipment are also provided by the Police Department.

Is APD's hiring process demanding? Yes, but police officers play such an important role in the Abington community that we strive to select only the best. If that's you, welcome to the Abington P.D. team!