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Baltimore PD Hiring Process & Job Overview:
Average Salary, Job Opening, Application Process & More
Table of Contents
4 Awful Mistakes Made by First
Time Police Recruits
incorrect application
failure to complete the employment application correctly, leaving important questions unanswered will likely delay or even worst-case scenario eliminate you from the application/selection process.
being Out of shape
you had plenty of time to train for the fitness test so any applicant showing up to the physical fitness test unprepared, or out of shape is inexcusable.
being untruthful
Lying or concealing important information during any stage of hiring process will will blow up in your face. Being honest about even some of your most embarrassing lapse in judgment is highly recommended
Quitting too early
Sometimes landing a law enforcement job takes persistence and some perseverance. Some applicants give up too quickly and never re-apply after not getting hired on their first attempt
WATCH Why Join Baltimore PD
Note Baltimore PD will require that you pass a comprehensive background check before becoming a cop for BPD
- Must be a citizen of the United States
- Must be 20 years of age and 9 months
- Possession of a valid Maryland driver’s license
- Proof of a U.S. high school diploma or GED
- Must possess English language proficiency
- Successfully pass the background check
- Successfully pass all stages of the selection process
- No Felony Convictions
Disqualifiers
- WI/DUI conviction within the last 5 Years
- Lying during the selection process
- dishonorable discharge from the armed forces
- Bad driving history
- Serious misdemeanor convictions
- Failure to pass the drug screen
- Omitting or lying about prior arrest
- Any Felony Convictions
Starting Salary
*$51,953.00+ per Year
Officer Max Salary
*$88,989.00+ Annually
Sergeant
*$79,115 to $100,228/YR
Lieutenant
*$91,533 - $113,936 annually
- *salary does not reflect overtime, career promotion, longevity, shift premium, education, bonuses, lateral transfer, etc.
Watch This Important Video Message By The Baltimore Police Dept:
If you are interested in working for the Baltimore Police department, you must
know the process is a long and tedious one. This long employment process is not just limited to BPD – it seems that every law enforcement agency is pretty much the same.
You see, police departments across the country including BPD is looking for qualified, and competent applicants who can excel at the job. It is a pain in the neck waiting 6-9 months before you are hired, but it is the same everywhere.
Requirements Needed to Become a Police Officer For The Baltimore Police Department
- You must possess a high school diploma or GED
- No Felony Convictions
- Physical fitness – you must be in top physical condition and you will be required to pass the fitness test before moving ahead in the process
- You must be a citizen of the United States
- You must pass the background check, polygraph, and psychological test
- You must not have been dishonorably discharged
- You must possess a valid driver’s license
BPD Hiring Process – Step-By-Step Guide
- Complete and submit your application
- Civil Service Test.
- The Preliminary Interview.
- Agility Test.
- Paperwork gets forwarded to the Applicant Investigation Unit upon successful completion of the Agility Test.
Salary and Benefits
Baltimore County offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Starting salaries:
- Police Officer, $51,953-$88,989
Cadets and Officers receive yearly pay increases.
Benefits
| Medical/Dental/Vision | Equipment and Uniforms |
| 25-year Retirement | Nightshift Differential |
| Paid Vacation/Sick/Military Leave | Promotional Opportunities |
| Tax-Free Investments | Police Academy and other Professional Training |
| Life Insurance | Tuition Reimbursement |
| Credit Union Services |
Job Qualifications
To apply for the Police Officer and Police Cadet job openings, you must meet the following qualifications.
- Police Officer applicants must be age 21 by graduation of our six month police academy.
- Police Cadet applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire. You can apply at 17 1/2 years of age.
Applicants must:
- Pass a written examination.
- Pass a physical agility test.
- Pass a physical examination.
- Pass a comprehensive background investigation, psychological screening, polygraph examination, and periodic drug testing.
- Have US Citizenship at the time of appointment.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate recognized by the Board of Education of Maryland at the time of the appointment.
- Have less than 4 points on their driving record.
- Have no felony convictions.
Job Duties and responsibilities:
Police Cadet
- Performs administrative functions in a precinct or specialized police unit.
- Directs traffic, inspects vehicles and issues citations.
- Works undercover to investigate crimes and target criminal activities.
- Communicates through law enforcement radio channels and through computer networks to provide information to officers.
- Provides arrest and warrant information to police officers.
- Assists with crowd control and special events.
- Helps provide security at police facilities.
Police Officer
- Performs general patrol duties in a vehicle and on foot.
- Conducts initial and follow up investigations of crimes and other incidents and events.
- Identifies and determines possible solutions to community crime problems.
- Communicates through law enforcement radio channels and through computer networks to provide information to officers.
- Provides security at police facilities.
- Enforces traffic laws and ordinances and investigates traffic accidents.
- Directs traffic, inspects vehicles and issues citations.
- Arrests and detains persons.
- Processes and monitors prisoners.
Advancement Opportunities
A career with the Baltimore County Police Department offers individuals a chance to experience unlimited professional and personal growth while investigating possibilities for success in a variety of interesting and exciting areas.
After two years as a patrol officer, members are eligible to apply for specialized unit assignments, such as:
- Homicide
- SWAT
- Sex Crimes
- Vice and Narcotics
- K-9
- Hostage Negotiation
- Computer Crimes
- Dignitary Protection
- Missing Persons
- Community Outreach
