City of Worcester, MA
Worcester Police Recruit Maximum Age Eligibility Raised to 39
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/1/2026 2:41 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Tuesday signed a home rule petition raising the maximum age of eligibility to become a Worcester Police Officer from 32 years of age or younger to 39 years of age or younger. The bill was unanimously approved by the Worcester City Council in November 2024 and was introduced and guided through the Legislature by Senator Michael Moore and Representative James O’Day.
Prior to this bill, H.3929, a recruit over the age of 32 on the date of their entrance examination was ineligible to become a police officer in Worcester. The cutoff for recruits is now over the age of 39. Individuals with military service still have an additional three years to begin the process of becoming an officer.
“The passing of this bill will have a profound impact on the Worcester Police Department’s ability to recruit more officers,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “With officers retiring, officers on long-term disability, and officers deployed in the military, this recruiting age increase will help us fill these vacancies and ensure we’re able to provide the level of public safety service our residents deserve. Thank you to Senator Moore and Rep. O’Day for their advocacy and support with pushing this bill forward.”
"I want to thank Senator Moore and our state delegation for their partnership in passing H.3929,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “By expanding the eligibility age, we will welcome a broader pool of dedicated recruits who bring valuable life and professional experience to the Worcester Police Department.”
“I want to thank Senator Michael Moore and Representative O’Day for their leadership in pushing this important legislation raising the Worcester Police Department’s age requirement to 39," said Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier. "This change gives us the opportunity to recruit highly qualified officers who bring broader life experience, maturity, and diverse professional backgrounds to our department. It strengthens our ability to serve the community with the judgment, perspective, and professionalism our residents expect.”
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