The best police departments are found in Maryland. The state has a population of over 6 million people and an average cost-of-living index.
It is the 18th most populous state in the country, with 23 counties, 157 towns, and cities.
If you’re looking for a place to move that will have opportunities for career advancement opportunities and a low cost of living, then Maryland might be what you’re looking for!
About Law Enforcement Jobs in Maryland
Before we discuss the best police departments in Maryland, let’s take a look at the job market in Maryland.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there are about 12,600 police and sheriff’s patrol officers working in Maryland.
The average annual salary for a police officer or sheriff’s deputy in Maryland is really competitive compared to other states in the US.
However, salaries can vary greatly depending on the city you work in.
Police officers in Maryland can also enjoy some great benefits, including vacation days, sick leave, and health insurance.
10 Best Police Departments in Maryland to Work For
Now that we know a little bit about the job market for law enforcement professionals in Maryland, let’s take a look at the best police departments to work for!
1. Howard County Police Department
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office is located in Columbia, MD, and employs over 500 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1652, when the first sheriff was appointed.
Some of the benefits that employees can enjoy include paid vacation days, paid holidays, and a competitive salary.
There are also many opportunities for career growth within the agency. With a population of over 330,000 people, Howard County is a great place to work and live.
Benefits include:
- -Paid vacation days
- -Paid holidays
- -Competitive salary
- -Opportunities for career growth
Top attractions in the area include:
- -The Mall in Columbia
- -Merriweather Post Pavilion
- -Columbia Lakefront
Key Features:
- Overall Quality of Life: A
- Off-Duty Recreation Opportunities: B
- Career Advancement Opportunities: A
- Cost of Living: A+
2. Anne Arundel County Police Department
The Anne Arundel County Police Department is located in Annapolis, MD, and employs over 900 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1650 when the first sheriff was appointed.
Some of the benefits that employees can enjoy include paid vacation days, paid holidays, and a competitive salary.
There are also many opportunities for career growth within the agency. With a population of over 500,000 people, Anne Arundel County is a great place to live and work.
Benefits include:
- -Paid vacation days
- -Paid holidays
- -Competitive salary
- -Opportunities for career growth
- Top attractions in the area include:
- -The Naval Academy
- -Annapolis City Dock
- -Maryland State House
Key Features:
- Overall Quality of Life: A+
- Off-Duty Recreation Opportunities: B+
- Career Advancement Opportunities: A
- Cost of Living: A
3. Maryland State Police
The Maryland State Police is a full-service law enforcement agency that employs over 2500 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Maryland, as well as patrolling the state’s highways.
Troopers with the Maryland State Police are some of the best trained and equipped in the country.
4. Harford County Sheriff’s Office
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is located in Bel Air, MD, and employs over 400 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1674, when the first sheriff was appointed.
Some of the benefits that employees can enjoy include paid vacation days, paid holidays, and a competitive salary.
With a population of over 220,000, Harford County is the third largest county in Maryland.
The sheriff’s office is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Harford County.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office offers many career advancement opportunities and is committed to providing its employees with a high quality of life.
The cost of living in Bel Air is relatively low compared to other cities in Maryland.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work for those seeking a career in law enforcement.
5. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is located in Rockville, MD, and employs over 1000 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1674 when the first sheriff was appointed.
Some of the benefits of working for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office include a minimum of paid holidays, longevity pay, and tuition reimbursement.
The agency also offers an excellent benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, and a retirement plan.
In addition, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office sponsors several off-duty recreational activities, including softball, golf, and bowling.
The agency is also committed to providing a high quality of life for its employees, and offers career advancement opportunities.
For more information on the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, visit their website.
6. City of Frederick Police Department
The City of Frederick Police Department is located in Frederick, MD, and employs over 300 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1748, when the first constable was appointed.
Some of the benefits of working for the City of Frederick PD include a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities for career advancement.
The department also offers a variety of off-duty recreational activities, making it a great place to work and live.
With a population of over 65,000 people, Frederick is a great place to work and live.
For more information on the City of Frederick Police Department, visit their website.
7. Harford County Sheriff’s Office
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is located in Bel Air, MD, and employs over 600 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1674 and offers employees a wide variety of off-duty recreational activities, including golfing, fishing, and hunting.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office also has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent career advancement opportunities.
Finally, the cost of living in Bel Air is significantly lower than in Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for a great place to work as a police officer, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office should be at the top of your list.
8. City of Westminster Police Department
The Westminster Police Department is located in Westminster, MD, and employs over 190 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1874, and today is a full-service department that provides 24/24 emergency response, patrols the city’s 52 square miles, and investigates criminal activity.
The Westminster PD offers many opportunities for career advancement, including lateral transfers and promotions.
The agency also has a strong focus on community policing, and provides its officers with plenty of training.
The Westminster Police Department is a great place to work, and it’s no wonder that so many police job seekers are interested in joining its ranks.
For more information about the Westminster Police Department, please visit their website.
9. City of Gaithersburg Police Department
The City of Gaithersburg Police Department is located in Gaithersburg, MD, and employs over 130 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1878, and today is a full-service department that provides 24/24 emergency response.
With a population of over 65,000, the City of Gaithersburg is the fourth largest city in Maryland.
The Gaithersburg Police Department offers many opportunities for career advancement and has a low cost of living.
The city also offers many off-duty recreational activities, making it a great place to work for police officers.
10. Baltimore County Police Department
The Baltimore County Police Department is located in Towson, MD, and employs over 3000 sworn and civilian personnel.
This agency has a rich history dating back to 1674 when the first sheriff was appointed.
Some of the benefits that employees can enjoy include paid vacation days, paid holidays, and a competitive salary.
Officers also have the opportunity to participate in a number of off-duty recreational activities, such as golfing, fishing, and boating.
The Baltimore County Police Department is committed to providing its employees with a high quality of life and offers many career advancement opportunities.
The cost of living in Towson is relatively low compared to other cities in Maryland.
The Baltimore County Police Department is a great place to work for those seeking a career in law enforcement.
FAQ About Police Jobs in Maryland
Below are some common questions about police jobs in Maryland. If you have additional questions, please leave a comment and we will do our best to answer them.
How much does the average police officer make in Maryland?
The average annual salary for a police officer in Maryland is $63,000+. However, this number can vary depending on the city or county you work in, as well as your level of experience.
What are the benefits of a police job in Maryland?
The benefits of a police job in Maryland vary depending on the department you work for.
However, most departments offer health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans.
Many departments also offer paid vacation days, sick leave, and tuition reimbursement.
What is the minimum age requirement for a police officer in Maryland?
The minimum age requirement for a police officer in Maryland is 21 years old.
Do I need a college degree to be a police officer in Maryland?
No, you do not need a college degree to be a police officer in Maryland. However, some departments may require you to have a degree or be enrolled in college classes.
How many police officers are employed in Maryland?
As of 2017, there are over 11,000 police officers employed in Maryland. This number is expected to grow in the coming years.
What is the process for becoming a police officer in Maryland?
The process of becoming a police officer in Maryland varies depending on the department you apply to.
However, most departments require you to complete an application, take a written test, and go through a series of interviews.
Some departments also require you to pass a physical fitness test and/or a background check.
If I am not from Maryland, can I still apply for a police officer job in the state?
Yes, you can still apply for a police officer job in Maryland even if you are not from the state. However, you may need to complete a certain amount of training at a police academy in Maryland.
What are the top law enforcement agencies in Maryland?
The top law enforcement agencies in Maryland vary depending on what criteria you use.
However, some of the most popular agencies include the Baltimore City Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Maryland State Police.
Is Baltimore PD Safe?
The safety of the Baltimore Police Department is a topic that is often debated.
However, according to statistics from 2017, the homicide rate in Baltimore was lower than it had been in years.
However, there have been several high-profile cases of police-involved shootings in Baltimore in recent years.
Should I Become a Police Officer in MD?
This is a question that only you can answer.
Police work can be both rewarding and challenging, and it is not for everyone.
However, if you are passionate about serving your community and have what it takes to be a police officer, then a career in law enforcement may be right for you.
