Police in the Lehigh Valley’s two largest cities are taking applications for new officers, with Allentown’s window closing Monday, Dec. 14, and Bethlehem’s on Monday, Jan. 4, 2027.
The openings come as both cities decide how many officers to pay for next year. Allentown’s draft budget would fund 210 officer positions, down from 232, Police Chief Charles Roca said at an Oct. 14 budget hearing. Bethlehem’s proposed budget keeps all 154 of its officer positions, and a new police contract there raises starting pay, according to Mayor J. William Reynolds’ Nov. 6 budget address.
Allentown
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, and must be filed online at joinallentownpd.com. There is no fee, no paper applications are taken and officers from other departments can’t transfer in this round. People without a computer can apply at any public library or at the department, 425 Hamilton St.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 20 to apply and 21 to be hired, with a high school diploma or GED and a driver’s license by the time they’re hired…