Police Officer

Job Description The Bel Air Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Current sworn police officers, as well as individuals aspiring to become police officers, are encouraged to apply. Under close supervision in the Training Academy or a Field Training Officer and/or a Patrol Supervisor, the successful candidate learns to perform the duties of a Town of Bel Air Police Officer and subsequently, through on-the-job training, performs these duties in an increasingly independent manner. Employees will be assigned to a patrol shift at the discretion of the Police Department. At a minimum, graduation from a recognized high school or its equivalent and possession of a valid driver's license is required. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, a Police Officer Certification from the Maryland Police Training Commission (MPCTC), and at least two years of continuous service as a sworn police officer with a Maryland Police Agency or from another state where the certification meets or exceeds MPCTC requirements. All candidates must be at least 21 years old and a US citizen. This is considered a local law enforcement position, and applicants will be responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Fiscal Year 2027 Police Officer Recruit/Lateral Pay Range: From: $62,692 To: $100,602. Responsibilities Participates in and successfully completes training programs to achieve and maintain proficiency requirements. Training will prepare employee to perform the following duties: Patrols designated areas, in a vehicle and on foot, to maintain a visible presence to deter crime, detects violations of laws and ordinances, identifies wanted vehicles, persons, and unusual conditions. Responds to calls for service, evaluates situations, and determines appropriate course of action, intervenes in fights, subdues attacking people and disarms suspects, restrains hostile individuals, and pursues fleeing suspects, assists in crowd control, performs rescue operations, responds to emergency situations under hazardous conditions, administers emergency medical aid, extinguishes small fires. Conducts preliminary and follow‑up investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants. Collects, preserves, and processes evidence, performs searches, detains suspicious vehicles and persons, arrests when probable cause exists, searches, restrains, transports, guards, and processes people. Serves warrants and summonses, conducts surveillance, and participates in raids or search parties. Identifies community problems through community interaction, recommends possible solutions to the department, attends, and participates in community meetings at the direction of the department, performs security surveys, and establishes a rapport with the public. Mediates disputes and advises victims, suspects, and the general public of rights and processes, performs crisis mediation with persons involved in domestic and civil disputes, suspects attempting suicide or hostage situations. Communicates effectively over law‑enforcement radio channels and through computer networks, utilizes communication equipment to verify warrants or identify wanted vehicles or people, prepares accurate and complete written investigative and other administrative reports and forms, arrest warrants and statements of charges using appropriate grammar and math, prepares cases, appears, and testifies in court. Enforces all traffic laws and ordinances, operates various types of radar and breath‑alyzer equipment, administers roadside sobriety tests, arranges for blood or other chemical tests, investigates accidents, directs traffic, and assists in special details. Inspects and maintains all assigned equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and clothing. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge of the English language, including correct grammar and spelling. Knowledge of basic arithmetic and skills in basic map reading. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing in calm, loud, and distracting environments. Ability to apply knowledge, experience, and reason to arrive at prompt and effective decisions for both routine and critical situations. Ability to show sensitivity to the emotions, conditions, and motivations of people of various sex, race, religion, disability, and social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate appropriate restraint in stressful and dangerous situations. Ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor. Ability to read, understand and interpret Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. Ability to sit, drive, stand, walk, and run for sustained periods of time. Ability to function effectively under hazardous conditions. Ability to observe and identify people, objects, places, and conditions utilizing the appropriate senses. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers and supervisors. Ability to accept criticism and evaluation and to function in a structured organization with strict rules of conduct. Ability to follow directions. Ability to respond quickly and effectively to situations requiring physical stamina and force. Ability to enter and exit vehicles frequently and quickly. Ability to operate vehicles under all conditions. Ability to lift, drag and carry heavy objects. Ability to develop skill in the care and use of firearms to meet proficiency requirements. Police Officers may be required to work overtime as necessary, with little or no notice. Police Officers must adapt to changes in working conditions, which include working nights, weekends, and holidays, changing shift configurations, and variables of weather. Police Officers may be required to use deadly force. Applicants must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others as determined by a test of physical ability. All applicants and employees in this position must be of good moral character and emotionally stable. Qualifications Graduation from a recognized high school or its equivalent. Must be willing and able to participate in a Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission approved police academy. Upon completion of academy training, Police Officers will be assigned to field training and a patrol shift at the discretion of the Police Department. Experience in public safety (including but not limited to policing, emergency communication, fire, rescue, emergency medical service) or related knowledge, skills, and abilities is preferred. Must have reached his/her 21st birthday before making application for this position. All applicants must be citizens of the United States at the time of appointment. Possess a valid driver’s license to legally operate any class of vehicles or equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position and is required at the time of appointment. The Police Officer position requires an applicant to pass a background investigation, polygraph, physical examination, mental health screening, and physical agility tests, including sit‑up test, push‑up test, hand strength test, and 1.5‑mile run. The Police Academy Upon successful completion of the background investigation, physical/medical examinations and polygraph/voice stress analysis examinations, passers of the physical agility tests will be considered for a future non‑residential Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission approved academy class. A Commission‑approved entrance‑level training program is a minimum of 750 hours. The Police Academy is an academic, physical, and practical training program, which introduces recruits to a career in law enforcement. The academy is paramilitary in nature and challenges recruits to develop self‑discipline, perform under stressful situations, and focus on teamwork. Upon graduation, new officers will be assigned to field training with a Bel Air officer for a minimum of 240 hours. Benefits Health Insurance HSA (Health Savings Account) Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Expenses on a Pre-tax Basis Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Retirement - Pension (Defined Benefit Plan) Retirement - 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Life Insurance Short-term and Long-term Disability Annual Leave Paid Vacation Sick & Safe Leave Holidays Paid Leave Personal Leave Funeral Leave Family & Medical Leave Military Leave Civil Leave (jury duty) Service, Safety and Attendance Award Program Employee Assistance Program The Town of Bel Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr