SALARY RANGE: $67,019.00 – $121,878.00 ANNUALLY The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) is looking for an outstanding civilian to be a dedicated and driven servant for public safety as a Baltimore City Police Officer. The ideal candidate is someone who is committed to public service, constitutional policing, and making a positive impact on Baltimore communities; is a person of integrity; and has strong communication skills.

As a uniformed Baltimore Police Officer, you are assigned to patrol a neighborhood by vehicle or on foot. Employees in this class work rotating shifts including evening, weekends and holiday hours. In this capacity, you respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service and promote the safety of the public and of fellow police officers. You will be a proactive member of our Department, engaging in community-oriented policing, traffic enforcement, and on occasion, special details. You are expected to meet all administrative requirements.

Police Officer – Baltimore Police Department

Becoming a police officer is not just a career choice—it is a commitment to serve, protect, and uphold the law. The Baltimore Police Department (BPD), one of the oldest and most prominent law enforcement agencies in the United States, offers a dynamic and challenging career for individuals dedicated to community service, public safety, and justice.

Overview of the Baltimore Police Department

The Baltimore Police Department, established in 1784, has a rich history of law enforcement and community engagement. With thousands of sworn officers and civilian employees, BPD is committed to protecting the citizens of Baltimore City while maintaining public trust. Officers work across various units, including patrol, criminal investigations, narcotics, cybercrime, and specialized tactical teams.

A police officer in Baltimore is expected to serve as both a law enforcer and a community partner. This dual role ensures that public safety is maintained while building strong relationships with residents, businesses, and local organizations.

Through provided academic training, you will develop skills to:

• Assist you in maintaining your composure in high-stress situations
• Mediate and de-escalate interpersonal conflict
• Make split second-decisions
• Problem solve

• Key Responsibilities of a Baltimore Police Officer

  Police officers in Baltimore have diverse responsibilities that require professionalism, integrity, and dedication. Some of the core duties include:

  • Patrolling assigned areas: Officers conduct regular patrols to prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and ensure public safety. Patrols can be on foot, in vehicles, or using specialized units such as bicycles or motorcycles.
  • Responding to incidents: Officers are often the first responders to crimes, accidents, and emergencies. They assess situations, provide immediate assistance, and coordinate with other emergency services.
  • Investigating crimes: Officers gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document incidents. They play a critical role in identifying suspects and supporting criminal prosecutions.
  • Enforcing laws: This includes issuing citations, making arrests, and ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal laws.
  • Community engagement: Building trust with the community is essential. Officers participate in neighborhood meetings, school programs, and community events to foster positive relationships.
  • Report writing and documentation: Accurate reporting is vital for legal proceedings and departmental accountability. Officers must maintain thorough records of all incidents, arrests, and investigations.

You will learn:

• Constitutional policing for the 21st century
• The pathway to Baltimore communities and cultural competencies
• Federal, state and city laws, statutes and ordinances

SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants must successfully complete the following steps in the hiring process before being hired as a Baltimore Police Officer:

• National Testing Network (NTN) “Frontline National” Test
• Physical Agility Test
• Preliminary Interview
• Background Investigation
• Polygraph
• Psychological Examination
• Physical Examination

The form that you are completing today is not one of the steps listed above. It is an online application to determine your eligibility to take the NTN Frontline National Test. The NTN Frontline National test is free of charge for all applicants to take. The Baltimore City Police Department seeks candidates with the highest moral and ethical standards for our agency. The background investigation must indicate that you have the necessary morals, honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity to join our ranks. You must pass this phase to proceed to the next step in the candidate selection process.

During the investigation stage, members of the Background Investigations Unit initiate contact with employers, family, friends, associates and neighbors. In addition, the investigator will review your work history and speak to co-workers, teachers, and anyone else who can offer insights into your character and fitness for police work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:

• Be a United States citizen OR a permanent legal resident of the United States who (i) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces; and (ii) Has submitted an application for United States citizenship that is pending approval.
• Possess a valid driver’s license. Please note, you cannot have any more than 3 points on your license.
• Must be 20 years of age and 9 months upon beginning the academy.
• Must have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certified diploma recognized by the State Board of Education .
• Must not have any current court orders relating to domestic violence.
• Cannot have been dishonorably discharged from the military.
• No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Misdemeanors must be expunged from criminal record.
• Must not have been arrested for DUI within the past 5 years (60 months).

• Qualifications and Requirements

  To join the Baltimore Police Department, candidates must meet strict qualifications designed to ensure capable and ethical officers. Requirements typically include:

  • Age and citizenship: Applicants must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen.
  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. Higher education, such as a college degree, is advantageous.
  • Background check: A thorough background investigation ensures candidates have a clean criminal record, good character, and integrity.
  • Physical fitness: Candidates must pass a physical fitness test to ensure they can handle the physical demands of police work.
  • Medical and psychological evaluations: Officers must meet medical standards and pass psychological assessments to ensure mental resilience.
  • Police training academy: Successful applicants complete the Baltimore Police Academy, where they receive training in law enforcement, firearms, defensive tactics, ethics, and community policing.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information and submit to drug testing.

NOTE: YOUR LICENSE MUST BE RECORDED ON YOUR APPLICATION AND WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY. PROVISIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSES AND LEARNER’S PERMITS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Probation: Candidates who successfully complete their Police Academy training are promoted to Police Officer. Upon graduation, officers are assigned to foot patrol, after which they will be assigned to a patrol district. The date of initial promotion to Police Officer on foot patrol marks the beginning of a one-year probationary evaluation period. During this period, the conduct of probationary officers will be under close scrutiny.

Financial Disclosure: