HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL AGILITY TESTING FOR ENTRY-LEVEL POLICE OFFICER.
The following test dates are for Academy Class #49.
Starting Salary: $64,251  $10,000 hiring bonus
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.
To be considered for employment, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications:

• Be a United States citizen
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Be age 21 by the swearing-in ceremony (post-academy)
• Possession of a High School diploma or GED (high school equivalency certificate) acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission regulation.
• Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions, defined as any crime that would carry more than 1 year incarceration.

All applications must be submitted at policeapp.com/HowardCountyMD.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.
HIRING PROCESS
 
Prior to and on Testing Day:
You must complete an application prior to testing day at policeapp.com/HowardCountyMD. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to complete your Personal History Questionnaire.
Applications are good for six months. 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.
 
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ):
After your initial application has been approved, you will receive instructions to complete your PHQ via a unique e-mail link. You will have ten days to complete and submit the PHQ 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 Exam and Physical Agility Test:
Testing will be conducted at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Dr., Marriottsville, MD 21104 on the following dates and times.
 
Doors open one hour prior to testing. NO ONE will be permitted to enter beyond the start time. In case of inclement weather, call 410-313-3200.
 
Testing Dates:
February 10 at 9 a.m. – Physical and Written Exam
February 13 at 1 p.m. – Physical and Written Exam
March 9 at 9 a.m. – Physical and Written Exam
March 20 at 1 p.m. – Physical and Written Exam
April 13 at 9 a.m. – Physical and Written Exam
April 17 at 1 p.m. – Physical and Written Exam
 
Written Test:
The written test is scheduled and offered on an ongoing basis. You will have two hours to complete the written test. Passing written test scores are valid for six months or until the next academy is selected. If you do not pass the written test, you will be ineligible to re-test for six months.
 
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 passage of the written test.
 
Oral Interview:
Upon successful completion of the physical agility test, you will participate in a panel interview. The oral interview is conducted by three Howard County Police 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 exam. You will receive an information sheet concerning the polygraph exam explaining the polygraph equipment and exam procedures. The examiner will review all test questions with you prior to the test administration. You can expect the polygraph exam to last approximately three hours with a certified Polygraph Examiner.
 
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 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 exam. A trained and certified psychologist conducts the exam.
 
Pre-employment Medical Evaluation (this step follows a conditional offer of employment):
This exam is to evaluate medical abilities in order to safely perform the duties of a police officer.
 
Excellent Benefits Include:
• Paid Academy Training
• Health, dental and life insurance
• Vacation, disability and personal leave
• Uniform/equipment supplied, including yearly shoe allowance
• Free dry-cleaning services
• Take home police vehicle for county residents
• Twelve-hour permanent patrol shifts, with four hours overtime each pay period
• 6%-night shift differential pay
• Three hours minimum overtime for off-duty court appearances
• Multi-lingual specialty pay (Up to $3,000 annually upon certification)
• Specialty pay for many assignments outside of patrol
• Competitive retirement plan (20 years at 50%, 25 years at 75%, 30 years at 80%)
• 457b deferred compensation plan,
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development programs
For more information, visit WWW.HCPD.ORG or call 410-313-HCPD.
HCPD is a CALEA accredited and EEO Agency.