Sworn Careers
Police Officers are sworn members who are 21 years of age or older. As a uniformed Baltimore Police Officer, you are assigned to patrol a neighborhood by vehicle or on foot. Employees in this class work rotating shifts including evening, weekends and holiday hours. In this capacity, you respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service and promote the safety of the public and of fellow police officers. You will be a proactive member of our Department, engaging in community-oriented policing, traffic enforcement, and on occasion, special details.
See more here
How to Apply
Police Officers have one of the most important jobs in Baltimore: keeping residents safe.
To apply for a career as a Baltimore City Police Officer:
Complete the online job application using the link above that says “Apply Here” or click here. If you have any questions regarding the link or need any assistance filling out the online job application, contact the Recruitment Section at 410-396-2340.
After applying, you will receive an email advising you of your next step: signing up for the police exam administered by the National Testing Network (NTN). Please keep an eye out for emails from us within 1-3 days after submitting your application. If you do not see an email from us, check your spam folder.
Once you are approved to take the police exam, follow the instructions provided in the email from us to select a testing location and time. The test is offered in 28 states through National Testing Network, and is free for Baltimore City residents.
Benefits and Salaries
Benefits of a Policing Career
- Retirement - Pension after 25 years of service is 60% of sworn member’s salary
- Excellent Health Insurance to include prescription, dental and vision
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid, entry-level, academy training and field training
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Additional student loan assistance for new hires
- Pay incentives for Associate's, Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees
- Signing bonus $5,000
- Referral Bonus $5,000/$7,500
- Housing allowance for members who move into Baltimore City
- Equipment provided at no cost
- Option to participate in tax-deferred, 457B retirement plan (Deferred Compensation), which can be used to supplement income upon retirement.
- Additional vacation leave is available to members who do not use medical leave.
Salaries
Starting yearly salary for Baltimore Police Officers is $60,146. Top officers can earn up to $104,456.
Sergeants’ yearly salary ranges from $89,182 to $114,236.
Lieutenants’ yearly salary ranges from $103,700 to $129,044.
Pay incentives are available for Associate's, Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees.
Opportunity for Advancement
After serving in the Patrol Division, officers are afforded numerous opportunities to expand their law enforcement career in one of the many specialized units that the Baltimore Police Department offers: Narcotics, K-9, SWAT, Criminal and Gang Intelligence, Community Collaboration Division, Family Crimes, Child Abuse, Sex Offense, Cyber and Electronic Crimes, Homicide, Robbery, Mounted, Traffic, and many more.
After completing 3 years of service, officers are eligible to take the Sergeant’s examination. Sergeants are eligible to take the Lieutenant’s examination after completing 2 years of service as a Sergeant.
Veterans and Service Members
The Baltimore Police Department appreciates the service performed by members of the United States military. Veterans and service members are eligible for the following benefits:
Military Veterans who have served 3 years of active duty can retire at (22) years at 60%.
15 days of paid annual military leave for members of the Active Reserves and National Guard.
Eligible to receive full Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits while completing the 30-week academy.
Selection
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have at the least the following qualifications to begin the process:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Possess a valid driver’s full license
Must be 20 years of age and 6 months upon beginning the academy
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Must possess English language proficiency.
Must be able to pass an extensive background check.
Applicants do not need to be a Maryland resident.
Disqualifiers (Not all inclusive)
Driving Record: not to exceed five (5) points
Poor Driver’s Record
DWI/DUI conviction within the last two (2) Years
*Military Record: Separation less than Honorable
Arrest Record: Any Felony Convictions
Currently on Parole or Probation. All misdemeanor charges must be expunged
Applicants are ineligible if they have illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana for any purpose within 3 years (36 months).
Medical History: Must be mentally and physically qualified
Integrity: Being truthful is utmost important; telling a lie or altering the truth at any stage of the process will disqualify your current and any future applications
Process
Applicants can begin the selection process by filling out our online job application. If you’ve already taken the NTN test for another agency, please make sure that your score was sent to the Baltimore Police Department and fill out an online job application.
Applicants must successfully complete the following steps in the hiring process before being hired as a Baltimore Police Officer:
Online Baltimore Police Department Application
National Testing Network Exam (More Info)
Fitness Test (More info)
Preliminary Interview
Background Investigation
Polygraph Examination
Psychological Examination
Physical Examination
