Entry Level- Police Officer
Howard County Government
- Marriottsville, MD
- $64,251 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Be a United States citizen
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Be age 21 by the swearing-in ceremony (post-academy)
- Possession of a High School diploma or GED (high school equivalency certificate) acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission regulation.
- Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions, defined as any crime that would carry more than 1 year incarceration.
You must complete an application prior to testing day at policeapp.com/HowardCountyMD. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to complete your Personal History Questionnaire.
Applications are good for six months. If you previously applied within the last six months, you are not eligible to re-apply until six months from that date. Contact with questions.Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ):
After your initial application has been approved, you will receive instructions to complete your PHQ via a unique e-mail link. You will have ten days to complete and submit the PHQ electronically. It is critical that you are thorough and honest when completing this booklet, as all the information you provide will be verified during your polygraph exam and background investigation.Written Exam and Physical Agility Test:
Testing will be conducted at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Dr., Marriottsville, MD 21104 on the following dates and times.Doors open one hour prior to testing. NO ONE will be permitted to enter beyond the start time. In case of inclement weather, call 410-313-3200.Testing Dates:
April 8 at 1 p.m. - Physical and Written Exam
April 13 at 9 a.m. - Physical and Written Exam
April 17 at 1 p.m. - Physical and Written Exam
April 22 at 1p.m. - Physical and Written Exam
April 27 at 9 a.m. - Physical and Written Exam
May 15 at 1 p.m. - Physical and Written Exam
May 18 at 9 a.m. - Physical and Written Exam
June 12 at 1 p.m. - Physical and Written Exam
June 22 at 9 a.m. - Physical and Written ExamWritten Test:
The written test is scheduled and offered on an ongoing basis. You will have two hours to complete the written test. Passing written test scores are valid for six months or until the next academy is selected. If you do not pass the written test, you will be ineligible to re-test for six months.Physical Agility Test:
You must first pass the written test before you are eligible to take the physical agility test. It is required that you bring the completed HCPD Physician's Authorization Form with you in order to complete the physical agility test. The physical agility test is comprised of three physical tests: sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Standards for each test are based on your age and gender, which are detailed on the Physician's Authorization Form. You are eligible to take the physical agility test as many times as it is offered within six months following your successful passage of the written test.Oral Interview:
Upon successful completion of the physical agility test, you will participate in a panel interview. The oral interview is conducted by three Howard County Police employees. A series of questions will be asked of you concerning your experiences, abilities, and job awareness.Polygraph Exam:
Upon successful completion of the oral interview, you will be scheduled for a polygraph exam. You will receive an information sheet concerning the polygraph exam explaining the polygraph equipment and exam procedures. The examiner will review all test questions with you prior to the test administration. You can expect the polygraph exam to last approximately three hours with a certified Polygraph Examiner.Background Investigation:
If you are endorsed following the polygraph examination, your case file will be assigned to a Background Investigator. The investigator will make contact with you and will conduct various records checks, verify education and work history, and contact all of your listed references: family members, neighbors, and employers. This portion of the process takes an average of 4-6 weeks.Psychological Exam:
If you are endorsed following the background investigation, you will be scheduled for a psychological exam. A trained and certified psychologist conducts the exam.Pre-employment Medical Evaluation (this step follows a conditional offer of employment):
This exam is to evaluate medical abilities in order to safely perform the duties of a police officer.Excellent Benefits Include:
- Paid Academy Training
- Health, dental and life insurance
- Vacation, disability and personal leave
- Uniform/equipment supplied, including yearly shoe allowance
- Free dry-cleaning services
- Take home police vehicle for county residents
- Twelve-hour permanent patrol shifts, with four hours overtime each pay period
- 6%-night shift differential pay
- Three hours minimum overtime for off-duty court appearances
- Multi-lingual specialty pay (Up to $3,000 annually upon certification)
- Specialty pay for many assignments outside of patrol
- Competitive retirement plan (20 years at 50%, 25 years at 75%, 30 years at 80%)
- 457b deferred compensation plan,
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Career Development programs
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