Police Officer (Ages 20 1/2 and Older)



Police Officer (Ages 20 1/2 and Older)

Salary

$58,918.00 Annually

Location

Various locations throughout Baltimore County, MD

Job Type

MERIT

Job Number

10.517 07-21

Department

POLICE

Opening Date

07/01/2021

Closing Date

9/1/2022 9:45 AM Eastern

You MUST be 20 1/2 years old or older to apply for this position.

Applicants that are under 20 1/2 years of age MUST apply for the Police Cadet position.
 

IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION

Written Examination
Applicants who meet the required qualifications will be scheduled to take a written examination.

The written exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions.

Applicants will be given 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the written examination.

Qualified applicants will receive an email notification of their scheduled test date, time, and location.  Be sure that your email address is correct when applying for this position.  The Office of Human Resources will send all correspondence to the email address you provide on your application.

Physical Agility Test
Applicants who pass the written exam will be invited to participate in the physical agility testing, at a later date.  You will be contacted about the physical agility test date, time, and location by the Police Department. 

The physical agility test includes:
  •  Sit-up Test - measures abdominal and hip flexor muscular endurance
  •  Push-up Test - measures muscular endurance of the upper body
  •  Trigger and Slide Pull Lock and Release Test - measures hand strength
  •  1.5 mile run - measures cardiovascular capacity

If you have questions about the Police Officer testing process, contact a police recruiter at 410-887-5542 or visit the Recruitment section of the Police Department's web page to learn more about the written examination and physical agility test requirements.

Examples of Duties

Under close supervision, trains to perform and performs specialized and general law enforcement work, including vehicular and foot patrol; crime prevention, detection, and investigation; the maintenance of public order; and the enforcement of criminal and traffic laws.

  • Participates in all required training, both at the Police Academy and, subsequently on-the-job, to learn the duties of and maintain the proficiency requirements for the classification of Police Officer.
  • Performs general patrol duties in a vehicle and on foot.  Detects violations of laws and ordinances, and identifies wanted vehicles and persons.  Operates patrol vehicles.
  • Uses physical exertion to perform duties.  Intervenes in fights, disarms suspects, pursues fleeing suspects, and restrains hostile individuals.  Assists in crowd control activities.  Responds to emergency situations and other calls to service.  Administers emergency medical aid.  Extinguishes small fires.
  • Conducts initial and follow up investigations of crimes and other incidents and events.  Protects crime scenes, and collects evidence and information.  Conducts searched and seizures.  Locates and interviews witnesses.  Searches, restrains, transports, and guards persons.  Serves warrants and summonses.  Conducts surveillance.  Arrests and detains persons.
  • Identifies and determines possible solutions to community crime problems.  Attends and participates in community meetings.  Performs security surveys.  Establishes rapport with the public.
  • Mediates disputes.  Advises victims, suspects, and the general public of rights and processes.  Performs crisis mediation with persons involved in domestic and civil disputes, suspects attempting suicide, and in hostage situations.
  • Communicates through law enforcement radio channels and through computer networks to provide information to officers.  Prepares investigative and administrative reports and forms, arrest warrants and statements of charges using appropriate grammar and math.  Prepared detailed case documentation and presents testimony in court.
  • Enforces traffic laws and ordinances, and investigates traffic accidents.  Operates various types of radar and breathalyzer equipment.  Administers roadside sobriety tests.  Arranges for blood or other chemical tests.  Directs traffic.  Executes motor vehicle stops.  Issues criminal and traffic citations.
  • Inspects and maintains all assigned equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and clothing.
Examples of Other Duties: 
  • Conducts investigations of a specialized nature, including homicide, vice, narcotics, arson, auto theft, robbery, family and sex crimes.  Provides specialized operational support to field units such as the hostage negotiation, tactical, canine and marine units.  Police Officers working in specialized units may testify as expert witnesses.  Provides administrative and technical support throughout the Department.  Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications 
  • Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent. 
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of their graduation from the Police Academy. 
  • All applicants must be citizens of the United States at the time of appointment. 
  • Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment. 
  • Pass a written examination
  • Pass a physical agility test
  • Pass a physical examination
  • Pass a comprehensive background investigation, psychological screening, polygraph examination, and drug test, and are subject to periodic drug testing
  • Have less than four points on their driving record
  • Have no felony convictions

The Police Academy
Upon successful completion of the background investigation and the medical examination, passers of both the written and physical agility tests will be considered for a future class of the Baltimore County Police Academy.

The Police Academy is a 27-week academic, physical and practical training program, which introduces recruits to a career in law enforcement. It is a non-residential program located in Dundalk, Maryland.

The academy is paramilitary in nature and challenges recruits to develop self-discipline, perform under stressful situations, and focus on teamwork. After graduation from the Baltimore County Police Academy, you will be among the most highly trained officers in the country and part of a family of motivated and proud law enforcement officers.

Conditions of Employment

Employees in this classification may be assigned to work on either a rotating or fixed shift basis, which will include nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Employees in this classification are subject to call to duty in emergencies, and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice. Upon completion of the academy training, officers will be assigned to a precinct or traffic post at the discretion of the Police Department.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification entails frequent walking, standing, and the operation of vehicles and firearms. Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous law enforcement and public safety activities, and conditions such as adverse weather and armed and dangerous persons.

Medical Examination and Comprehensive Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination and drug screen and a comprehensive background investigation, which includes but is not limited to a criminal background check, psychological and polygraph examination, and fingerprinting.

New employees are strongly encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccination.

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance
General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.
Longevity Increases -  In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire.  Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions.  The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Holidays
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance
70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer
This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.

01
Instructions The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to further determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thouroughly.
  • I have read and understand the above instructions.
02
Are you a citizen of the United States?
  • yes
  • no
03
This position requires that you be at least 20 1/2 years of age. Select the option that accurately describes your age at the time of this application.
  • I am younger than 20 1/2 years of age.
  • I am 20 1/2 years old or older.
04
Do you have a high school diploma, GED, or an appropriate equivalent?
  • yes
  • no
05
Driver's License Select the type of driver's license you currently hold. Be sure you have provided your driver's license number, class and state in the previous section of this application.
  • Commercial Driver's License equivalent to commercial, Class A Maryland Driver's License.
  • Commercial Driver's License equivalent to commercial, Class B Maryland Driver's License.
  • Commerical Driver's License equivalent to a Commercial Class C Maryland Driver's License with a Passenger Endorsement.
  • Non-Commercial Driver's License equivalent to a non-commercial, Class C Maryland Driver's License.
  • Provisional Non-Commercial Driver's License equivalent to a Provisional Non-Commercial, Class C Maryland Driver's License.
  • Driver's License Learners Permit
  • I do not have a driver's license.
06
If you do not have a valid driver's license, will you obtain one within the next six months?
  • I will obtain a valid driver's license within the next six months.
  • I will NOT obtain a valid driver's license within the next six months.
  • This question does not apply to me because I already have a valid driver's license.
07
Do you have a felony conviction?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Positions in this class require applicants to undergo a comprehensive background investigation and drug test to prove they are emotionally stable and of good moral character. Are you willing to submit to both a background investigation and a drug test?
  • yes
  • no
09
Have you ever used, tried, or experimented with Heroin, PCP or LSD?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Persons hired as Police Officers may be assigned to work on either a rotating or fixed shift basis which may include nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Persons hired as Police Officers are also subject to call to duty in emergencies and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice. Are you willing to accept these conditions of employment?
  • yes
  • no
11
The work of a Police Officer requires frequent walking, standing, and the operation of vehicles and firearms. Are you willing and able to perform the physical activities of this position?
  • yes
  • no
12
The work of a Police Officer also requires exposure to potentially hazardous law enforcement and public safety activities, and conditions such as adverse weather and armed and dangerous people. Are you willing and able to perform these physical activites in these environmental conditions?
  • yes
  • no
13
Positions in this class require applicants to undergo a comprehensive background investigation and drug test to prove they are emotionally stable and of good moral character. Are you willing to submit to both a background investigation and a drug test?
  • yes
  • no
14
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, log into your account, and edit your profile.
  • Yes

Required Question

Agency
Baltimore County
Address
308 Allegheny Avenue

Towson, Maryland, 21204
Phone
410-887-3135