Q. When will the next academy class start, and how many recruits are hired?
A. We typically hold two academy classes per year; one is in June and one in December. We hire approximately 50 recruits per academy class. The date in which you test will determine which academy class you will be considered for.
Q. How long will the hiring process take?
A. Like most law enforcement agencies, our hiring process takes approximately six months.
Q. What does the written exam consist of?
A. The written examination is 100 questions, which you are allowed 2 1/2 hours to take. It has five sections, consisting of spelling, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and chronological order. The spelling section is timed separately.
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Q. How do I sign up for a test?
A. All applicants for Police Cadet must apply online at see job posting and apply here online for police cadet .
All applicants for Police Officer must apply online at see job posting and apply here online for police officer .
Q. When will I be notified of the next test date?
A. You will receive written notification in the mail approximately two weeks prior to the test date, telling you when and where to go for the testing.
Q. How can I obtain a Study Guide for the written test?
A. You can download a study guide from our site. Click on "Study Guide" on the left hand side of this page.
Q. Is the academy a live-in academy?
A. No, the academy is non-residential and recruits are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
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Q. Is there a maximum age to be a police officer?
A. No, there is no maximum age limit.
Q. Will my military experience help?
A. Each applicant is viewed individually throughout the application process. Your honorable military experience will be viewed as any other positive work history.
Q. I am from a racial minority. Do I get special consideration when applying?
A. The Baltimore County Police Department is an equal opportunity employer and we actively recruit individuals from diverse communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Q. How much time must pass in order to re-test with the Baltimore County Police?
A. Each applicant can take the written test one time for each testing cycle. They can take the physical agility test two times for each testing cycle. A testing cycle is comprised of the three tests preceding the academy class.
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Q. How long is the probationary period?
A. The probationary period is two years. Your probation starts the first day of the police academy; therefore six months of it is spent in training.
Q. What are your shifts?
A. Each precinct has three shifts. The midnight shift is a permanent shift and the day-work and evening shifts rotate bi-weekly. Both the evening and midnight shift officers receive pay differential of one dollar more an hour.
Q. Does the Baltimore County Police Department offer lateral transfer opportunities?
A. At this time, we do not accept lateral transfers into our police department, but we do welcome officers from other jurisdictions to join our application process.
Q. Does the Baltimore County Police Department offer incentives for college degrees?
A. Officers with a bachelor's degree can take the Corporal's promotional exam one year early. A bachelor's degree will also enable candidates to test for the position of Sergeant and above in a shorter time period.
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Q. Can I choose the precinct where I will be assigned?
A. Officers choose their top three precincts upon graduation from the academy. New officers are assigned based on the openings at the precinct and their final academy class standing.
Q. Can I go to school while I'm employed with the police department?
A. Yes, officers and cadets can attend school while they are employed with us. The Baltimore County Police Department offers tuition reimbursement at any accredited college of your choice.
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Revised July 17, 2008
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