FAQ's

Q. Do I have to live in Somerville to join the SAPD?
A. No. Currently, the SAPD has members who live all over eastern Massachusetts,
Rhode Island and Southern New Hampshire.

Q. Are SAPD members Police Officers?
Members of the SAPD are not Police Officers, and have very limited arrest powers. In
addition, SAPD Officers are not currently sworn in by the city.

Q. Are SAPD Officers armed?
A. Yes. Members who complete one years probationary service are eligible to be
armed. Also, members who hold the rank of Sergeant and above are armed officers.
Keep in mind that carrying a firearm for the Department is a privilege, and not a right.
All candidates must possess a valid Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) Firearms in
accordance with MGL. Chapter 140. All personnel must qualify with the
Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council in the use of the weapon. The
current Department-issue firearm is the .40 Cal. Sig Sauer P229R DAK.

Q. How long is the application process?
A. The process can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the status
of the criminal background check, and the schedule of the recruiting staff. Every
effort is made to make this process as quick as possible.

Q. What do I need to have with me when I come in to fill out the application?
A. Everything needed is listed on the opening page of the application. The application
has to be completed 100% before it can be turned in, and must contain the following:
3 letters of reference (no relatives, and one must be from current employer), Original
or certified copy of your Birth Certificate and/or Social Security Card, Original High
School Diploma, Any Military Discharge Forms, any Firearms Identification Card or
Firearm Permits, any other pertinent information including training or awards
certificates, records of service with any Public Service Agency (this does not include
contract or private security companies) and any records from other volunteer
positions held.

Q. Are SAPD officers reimbursed / paid for their services?
A. No. The SAPD is a volunteer organization that relies on donations. SAPD Officers
do not receive any compensation for their services.

Q. I have a record from when I was a juvenile, does this automatically disqualify
me from joining the Department?
A. All applications are handled on a case by case basis. Convictions as a juvenile are
reviewed individually and a determination is based on the severity of the incident, as
well as the number of charges. Please note that a felony record (adult or juvenile) will
automatically disqualify you from consideration.

Q. What disqualifies a candidate from becoming a member?
There are many. The most common include: Felony record and / or conviction, poor
driving record, questionable work history or having a questionable moral character.
All decisions regarding the disqualification of an applicant are final. There is no
appeal process. Any applicant that is disqualified are asked to wait one calender year
before they re-apply. (Applicants with felony convictions are permanently disqualified
and are not eligible to re-apply).

Q. Is working as an SAPD Officer dangerous?
A. Police work in general is a dangerous profession. While the SAPD does not perform
traffic stops and other functions that the regular department does, instances have,
can and do arrive where we will assist at a traffic stop, or a search of a home or
business that has been broken into. Also, there will be times while on patrol that
officers are flagged down by civilians and directed to a problem, or come across
dangerous incidents that have to be immediately addressed. Every effort is made to
train our officers to address and handle various types of incidents.

Q. What kind of training is required?
A. No training is required in order to apply. If you have been appointed to the
department, you will receive training in various fields, including self-defense, CPR,
first aid and other courses.

Q. Do I have to purchase my own uniforms?
A. No. The only item you will be required to purchase is the required dress hat and
proper foot gear (These are not issued due to health regulations). The Department
issues all other uniform items. However it is important to note that, while the
uniforms are issued, you may need to have a tailor adjust them to they fit you
properly. The department is particular about appearance, so the uniform has to look good!

Q. What are the requirements to maintain my position with the SAPD?
A. You will be required to do 2 cruiser nights per month, and one detail per month.
The word "detail" refers to road races, parades or other functions within the City of
Somerville. In addition to this, you will also be required to attend all department
meetings and training classes, as both are mandatory. However you can feel free to
sign up for additional details or cruiser nights if you wish.

Q. Is experience required to join?
A. No. While experience is preferred, it is not required to join the SAPD.

Q. Do I have to use my own car while performing SAPD duties?
A. Yes. Most functions require our officers to use their own car. This is required to get
the officer to his or her assigned post (street, intersection, etc.). However all routine
patrols at night are done using our cruiser.

Q. Does the City cover my car if it gets damaged during a SAPD function?
A. No. The SAPD, City of Somerville or the Somerville Police Department do not cover
your vehicle in the event of damage. You are required to have your car properly
insured in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.

Q. Do I have to have a firearms permit (LTC) to join?
A. No, being armed is not a requirement to join the SAPD. However the ranks of
Sergeant and above are required to be armed, so should to chose to move up within
the Department, an LTC would be required at that time.

Q. Does the Department or city provide insurance in the event of injury while on duty?
A. No. The Somerville Auxiliary Police Department, Somerville Police Department, or
the City of Somerville, Massachusetts does not provide or offer health or disability
insurance to any Auxiliary Police Officer who may be injured while on duty.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Please come to our office located in the Public Safety building. A recruiter
is on duty every Tuesday night from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. At this time. We do not mail
applications, or supply them through our website.

Somerville Auxiliary Police Department
Public Safety Building
220 Washington Street
Somerville, Massachusetts 02143

Frequently asked Questions