Job Announcement

If you previously applied within the last six months, you are not eligible to re-apply until six months from that date. Contact recruitment@howardcountymd.gov with questions

HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Now Testing for Cadet (Full-time & Seasonal)

STARTING Full-time SALARY: $38,255 (eff. 1/1/24)

SEASONAL: $17/hour

If you are interested in joining one of the most progressive police departments in the country, you must successfully complete a written exam, physical agility test, personal history questionnaire, oral interview, polygraph examination, background investigation,  psychological screening and medical examination.

The Howard County Police Department is a nationally accredited agency of more than 700 employees, sworn and civilian, dedicated to creating a better quality of life for the citizens of Howard County. It is the mission of the Howard County Police Department to provide a secure environment for the citizens of Howard County by protecting life and property, reducing the opportunity for crime and disorder, enforcing the law, assisting victims and providing other police-related services as required by the community in a manner consistent with the values of a free society. HCPD embraces the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police. We are committed to resolving problems collaboratively through a partnership between the department and our community.

Our officers demonstrate the highest standards and are guided by the agency’s values: Integrity, Pride and Community. 

Integrity: The department and its personnel can only succeed in their mission if we maintain our integrity. Our authority to deprive people of their life, freedom and property comes from the trust bestowed upon us. Once this trust is broken, by an individual or by the department, our actions are rightfully called into question. The department and its employees must hold themselves to a standard that is beyond reproach.

Pride: The department is a proud institution and works to develop this pride in its sworn, civilian and volunteer personnel. We are proud of our rich tradition of providing quality police services to the residents and visitors of Howard County. We are proud to be a part of a noble profession that is called upon to maintain order in a free society. We are proud of the real partnerships we have with the people we serve. We are proud of the highly motivated, highly trained, and highly respected personnel we have.

Community: The cornerstone of this department is the relationship we have with the community we serve. Our ability to be effective in carrying out our mission is based on the credibility we have with the community. Understanding that we are a part of, and not separate from, the community is critical. Although we are granted full-time responsibility for policing the community, we cannot do it without the approval and cooperation of the public. The department strives to enhance this relationship in several ways: By ensuring that each police contact is carried out fairly and with respect; by seeking input from the public on our programs, procedures and priorities; and by being active in community programs and charities.

Typical duties of a Cadet include, but are not limited to:

• Assistance with clerical and communications functions
• Transportation of evidence to various state and federal agencies
• Presentation of programs to the public
• Provide personnel support for special events in the county

Excellent benefits and opportunities (full-time only):

• Health, dental and life insurance
• Vacation, disability and personal leave
• Uniform/equipment supplied with free dry-cleaning service
• Tuition reimbursement
• Schedule may fluctuate based on operational needs

If you are interested in joining one of the most progressive police departments in the country, you must submit an online application, successfully complete a written exam, physical agility test, personal history questionnaire, oral interview, polygraph examination, background investigation, psychological screening, and medical examination.

When testing is offered it will be at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Dr., Marriottsville, MD 21104.

Be mindful that the doors close at the times listed, no one will be permitted to enter beyond that time.

• Applicants must register online
• Bring a valid Photo ID to the testing site 

A completed physician's authorization form is required to participate in the physical ability testing

All testing is held at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville, MD 21104

If you have already passed the written exam and only need to take the physical agility test, physical testing will begin at the same times specified. 

In case of inclement weather call 410-313-3200.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be a United States citizen
• Be at least 18 years old AND less than 21 years old by employment date
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions

Automatic Disqualifications

• Felony convictions
• Serious misdemeanor convictions, defined as any crime that would carry more than 1-year incarceration
• Convicted or otherwise found guilty of selling, manufacturing, or distributing a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana
• Illegally sold, produced, cultivated, distributed, or transported a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana
• Illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana while employed to enforce federal, state, or local law by any government entity
• Use of heroin, phencyclidine (PCP), or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
• Marijuana usage within 6 months of hire date
• CDS usage of no more than five (5) times lifetime or once since turning twenty-one (21) years of age (excluding marijuana)
• DUI/DWI within the past five (5) years
• More than three (3) current points on driver’s license
• Bad conduct or dishonorable discharge from the military
• Visible tattoos on the head, neck, face, or hands (waivers may be requested in writing for visible tattoos, body art, or brands)
• Visible, intentional, body mutilation, piercing, intentional branding or scarring  

Application Process

Application on PoliceApp:

Submit an electronic application. After review, if it is determined that you are eligible, you will receive an invitation to complete your PHQ. 

Completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ):

Upon application approval, the PHQ booklet will be provided via a unique e-mail link with instructions.  You will have ten days to complete and submit the PHQ booklet 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 Test:

Registration through PoliceApp is required prior to arriving at the testing site.

The written test is scheduled and offered on an ongoing basis. You will have two hours to complete the written test. The score is valid for six months.  If you do not pass the written test, you will be ineligible to take the test again for six months or until the next academy is selected.

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 passing of the written test.

Oral Interview:

WE ARE OFFERING OPTIONAL ON-SITE INTERVIEWS FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PT TEST. The oral interview is conducted by a panel of Howard County Police Department 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 examination.  Your certified Polygraph Examiner will be in contact with you to provide information regarding the exam. You can expect the polygraph exam to last approximately three hours. You will receive an explanation of the polygraph equipment and exam procedures, and the examiner will review all test questions with you prior to the administration of tests.

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 hiring 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 examination. A trained and certified psychologist conducts the exam.

Pre-employment Medical Evaluation (this step follows a conditional final offer of employment):

If you are endorsed following your psychological examination, you will be scheduled for your medical evaluation. This exam is to evaluate medical abilities in order to safely perform the duties of a police officer. 

Please direct questions regarding this position to recruitment@howardcountymd.gov

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.