Experienced Police Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Experienced Police Officer

The Riverdale Park Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that collaborates with our community partners to deliver quality service and address the needs of our rapidly growing community. The Department is currently staffed with 26 police officers and 7 civilian employees, serving a diverse community of approximately 7,500 people.

• Patrol Division: Is responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of the people we serve, providing 24-hour patrol and dispatch services.

• Criminal Investigations / Community Policing: Investigates reported crimes against persons and property, conducts administrative investigations, and completes employee background investigations.

The Department is accountable and transparent, keeping our community informed about the Department's activities through the Town's Status and Information Reports. The Department also posts policies, procedures, and protocols on the Town's webpage. To further these goals, the Chief implemented a Chief's Community Advisory Committee to promote open, honest, and direct communication between the Riverdale Park community and its Police Department. 

The Position:  This is a full-time, entry-level position within the Police Department. The typical responsibilities of a police officer include responding to calls, maintaining order in an assigned patrol area, enforcing criminal and traffic laws mandated by state and local laws and ordinances, reporting, courtroom presentation of cases, and providing excellent service to the residents of the Town of Riverdale Park. 

Ideal Candidate:  Candidates will have good character, sound judgment, honesty, reliability, and integrity, with a strong desire to serve a diverse community. Candidates must have the ability to: make quick, independent decisions and handle simultaneous tasks under pressure. Specific duties required of the candidate include: receiving and responding to emergency and non-emergency calls. 

The minimum candidate qualifications include: must be a US citizen, 21 years of age, have an HS diploma/GED, possess a valid driver's license, and be able to pass a background check.   The following are preferred candidate qualifications: certification by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, bilingual (Spanish), or an AA degree.  

The Community:  The Town of Riverdale Park is a growing community. The Town is located between the Cities of Hyattsville and College Park, Maryland. The Town's population is approximately 7,286. The Town is experiencing significant development and is poised for further growth, as two Purple Line stations will be constructed within its boundaries. The Town operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The Town's elected leadership comprises a Mayor and six (6) Council Members. The Mayor serves as the chair of the Council, the legislative branch of the Town Government. The Town's FY2022 Operating Budget is 7.8MM.

Compensation:  The salary range is commensurate with experience. Night-time differential pay, Bilingual pay available if criteria are met ($2,080 a year), take-home vehicle within 30 air miles, holiday pay, and clothing allowance. The Town offers competitive healthcare benefits, generous leave packages, and excellent retirement plans.   

Process:  To apply, click the Apply for this Job tab (below or to the right). The position is open until filled. 

The Town of Riverdale Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town provides equal opportunity to all qualified applicants based on demonstrated merit as determined through the selection process without regard to sex, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act), or any other basis protected by federal or state law, ordinance or regulation.