Lateral Police Officer

Position Summary Howard County Police Department is conducting written and physical testing for Police Officer lateral positions. The starting salary is $70,200 plus a $10,000 hiring bonus, and candidates may receive up to $5,000 for out‑of‑state relocation. Application Process Complete an online application at policeapp.com/HowardCountyMD. Submit a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) once your application is approved. Take the written test (two hours) and, if passed, the physical agility test (sit‑ups, push‑ups, and a 1.5‑mile run). Participate in a panel oral interview with three Howard County Police employees. Undergo a polygraph examination, typically lasting about three hours. Complete a background investigation that includes education, work history, and reference checks. Have a psychological exam and pre‑employment medical evaluation following a conditional offer of employment. Qualifications Completed probation with a full‑service law‑enforcement police agency by hire date. Possess a valid driver’s license. Hold a high‑school diploma or GED accepted by the Maryland State Board of Education. Possess a current Maryland Police Training Commission (MPTC) certificate or meet comparative compliance standards. No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions. U.S. citizen. Minimum of 750 academy training hours (excluding firearms, field training, or in‑service training). Proof of academy completion and records verifying graduation. Currently in good standing with an agency, or retired in good standing within two years of application. Benefits Health, dental, and life insurance. Vacation, disability, and personal leave. Uniform and equipment supplied with free dry‑cleaning service. Take‑home vehicle for in‑county residents. 12‑hour permanent patrol shifts with a 6% night shift differential. Night shift cycle: three on, three off. Four hours overtime per pay period (up to $4,495 annually). Monthly specialty pay, up to $3,000 annually, for qualifications such as Drug Recognition Experts, Hostage Negotiation, and others. Competitive retirement plan (20 years at 50%, 25 years at 75%, 30 years at 80%). Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Contact Information For more information, visit or call 410‑313‑HCPD. #J-18808-Ljbffr Howard County Government