Baltimore Police Department

By Recruitment Unit
Wednesday, December 23, 2009; 12:00 am

Nearly 500 women currently serve as Baltimore Police Officers. Female police officers serve as detectives, sergeants, lieutenants, and members of the command staff. These women have made a career choice to help others.

Female police officers prove themselves on a daily basis in Baltimore. Unfortunately, some women are hesitant to apply to become Baltimore Police Officers because of misconceptions. Some potential applicants believe a Baltimore Police Officer must have prior law enforcement or military experience to be hired or that a criminal justice degree is needed. These beliefs are incorrect.

Please see below for frequently asked questions regarding female Baltimore Police Officers.

• Are there any upcoming recruiting events for female applicants?
  

  Yes, the next event is scheduled for February 26, 2010 at 12:00 PM at the Baltimore Police Headquarters. This event will provide female applicants with information about the application process and academy training. Applicants will also have an opportunity to network with female Baltimore Police Officers and Supervisors. This event provides applicants with an expedited processing opportunity. Following the one hour information session, the Civil Service Test will be offered. For those applicants that pass the Civil Service Test, the Agility Test will be offered on February 27, 2010. Click the flyer for details.

• How rigorous are the physical requirements for Baltimore Police Officers?
  

  Applicants need to be in good physical shape. A listing of the physical agility requirements can be found here. To view a recent WBAL report on the Physical Agility Test, please click here.

• Do I have to know how to shoot a gun to apply to become a Baltimore Police Officer?
  

  No. Previous firearms experience is not a requirement for hire. The Baltimore Police Department’s Firearms Training Unit will provide training in proper handling and use of firearms.

• How are Baltimore Police Officers assigned to their districts?

  Upon graduation from the Baltimore Police Academy, probationary officers are assigned to one of the department’s nine police districts. These assignments are based on current staffing levels and operational priorities.