Police Officer Lateral/Experienced Officer Program

Police Officer Lateral/Experienced Officer Program

Salary

$76,362.00 - $91,060.00 Annually

Location

Various locations throughout Baltimore County, MD

Job Type

MERIT

Job Number

10.517 08-26

Department

POLICE

Opening Date

07/31/2026

Closing Date

11/30/2026 4:30 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THIS JOB POSTING IS FOR CURRENT, RETIRED CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS ONLY!

PS IV, Grade 11P

This job announcement will close on Monday, November 30th, 2026 at 4:30 PM!*

All interested candidates must apply at this time. Currently processing for a future Lateral/Experienced Police Officer Academy Class.

Recruit Employment Bonus

The Department will award a Recruit Employment Bonus of $15,000 for Experienced/Lateral Entry Police Officers.

The bonus will be paid in a one time, lump sum at the end of the Police Academy.

In order to be eligible for the Recruit Employment Bonus, Experienced/Lateral Entry Police Officers, are required to successfully complete the graded academic and practical portion of the County's Experienced Officer Training Program, which occurs prior to being sworn in as a Police Officer.

You MUST meet the following requirements before you can be hired as a Lateral Entry Police Officer:

• Must have current MPCTC certification or retired in good standing as a MPCTC certified officer within the last two (2) years
• Out of state applicants will be asked to have their academy provide the detailed academy curriculum that was completed with an hourly breakdown, and provide certification of successful completion of the academy.
• Must be in good standing at current agency or have retired within the past 2 years in good standing.
• Applicants who retired (or retired/resigned) in lieu of termination will not be considered.
• Must have a high school diploma, GED, or an appropriate equivalent
• Must have a valid drivers license equivalent to a noncommercial class C Maryland drivers license
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time you submit your application;
• Must satisfactorily complete a medical examination
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, psychological screening, polygraph examination, and periodic drug testing

Examples of Duties

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 various other incidents and events.
• Protects crime scenes, and collects evidence and information.
• Conducts searches 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 effectively over law enforcement radio channels and through computer networks.
• Prepares investigative and administrative reports and forms, arrest warrants and statements of charges using appropriate grammar and math.
• Prepares 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. Uses deadly weapons.

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

Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

Physical Requirements

Applicants are subject to a medical examination. Persons appointed to this classification must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. A medical examination will be used to determine physical fitness for duty.

Character Requirements

Applicants must subject to a comprehensive background investigation, psychological screening, polygraph examination, and drug test. Persons appointed to this classification must be of good moral character and emotionally stable and are subject to periodic drug testing.

Citizenship Requirements

All applicants must be citizens of the United States at the time of application.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid drivers license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland drivers license is required at the time of application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Qualified applicants will be assigned a rating based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as submitted on their application and supplemental questions.

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.

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 employees 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

The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to further determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thoroughly.

• I have read and understand the above instructions.

02

Are you currently an Officer with a law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

03

In the space provided, provide your current rank and the law enforcement agency where you are currently working.

04

Are you a retired officer from a law enforcement agency and have retired within the past two years?

• Yes
• No

05

In the space provided, provide your rank at retirement and the law enforcement agency where you last worked.

06

Do you have at least two (2) years experience with a law enforcement agency as a Police Officer? (Including Police Academy Training)

• Yes
• No

07

Are you a citizen of the United States?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you currently MPCTC certified or did you retire from an MPCTC certified position within the last two years?

• Yes
• No

09

If you are an out of state applicant, are you currently certified in good standing by your states police and correctional training commission, or have you been certified in good standing by your states police and correctional training commission within the last two years?

• Yes
• No

10

As an out of state applicant, I understand I will be responsible for having my academy provide the curriculum for my training with the total number of hours. (This should include in-service training, firearms training and entry level academy training) and a certification of successful completion of the academy. My failure to provide my states certification may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. If you do not have an out of state certification, please select "N/A."

• Yes
• N/A

11

Are you 21 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you currently have a high school diploma, GED, or an appropriate equivalent?

• Yes
• No

13

Select the type of drivers license you currently hold. Be sure you have provided your drivers license number, class and state in the previous section of this application.

• Commercial Drivers License equivalent to commercial, Class A Maryland Drivers License.
• Commercial Drivers License equivalent to commercial, Class B Maryland Drivers License.
• Commercial Drivers License equivalent to a Commercial Class C Maryland Drivers License with a Passenger Endorsement.
• Non-Commercial Drivers License equivalent to a non-commercial, Class C Maryland Drivers License.
• Provisional Non-Commercial Drivers License equivalent to a Provisional Non-Commercial, Class C Maryland Drivers License.
• Drivers License Learners Permit
• I do not have a drivers license.

14

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

15

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 and able to accept these conditions of employment?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you in good standing at your current agency or have retired within the past two (2) years in good standing?

• Yes
• No

17

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

18

The work of a Police Officer 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 activities in these environmental conditions?

• Yes
• No

19

Were you honorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Services?

• Yes
• No

20

If you were honorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Services, and answered yes to the above question, have you been a resident of the State of Maryland for (5) years or more proceeding the date of application?

• Yes
• No

21

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, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

• Yes

Required Question

Employer Baltimore County

Address 308 Allegheny Avenue

Towson, Maryland, 21204

Phone 410-887-3135

Website http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov