Baltimore, MD (February 18, 2025) — The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has launched a new recruitment campaign aimed at attracting both sworn officers and professional members to join its ranks. This initiative will leverage a variety of media platforms, including billboards, streaming services, radio, digital ads, and social media. A new recruitment website, joinbaltimorepd.org, features the campaign’s tagline: "Baltimore is Ready. Are You?"  

“This new recruitment campaign is about finding individuals who are ready to make a difference, protect our communities, and build trust with our residents,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “If you have a passion for helping people and a commitment to justice, we want you on our team. Our department is one of the fastest growing models for the way to do policing in the 21^st century, and we invite new members to join us and be part of something bigger.” 

The new campaign was developed to increase hiring for both sworn and professional positions. Last year, we saw an increase in applicants in the latter part of 2024 which brought our total hiring to 160 sworn officers, a 37% increase from 2023. Additionally, the department hired 143 professional members, up 43% from the previous year. In 2025, BPD has already hired more than 35 sworn officers and launched one of its largest recruit classes in years. The department has also welcomed 14 new cadets into its Cadet Program, designed to create a pipeline for future officers.  

"The new campaign is a key part of our public safety strategy to attract the best and brightest to serve in the Baltimore Police Department,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Expanding our ranks will strengthen our ability to build safer communities across our city. I am grateful for the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to protect and serve Baltimore, while helping to modernize our approach to public safety and save lives. This campaign is an important tool in our efforts to recruit and retain Baltimore’s Finest."

Sworn Officer Benefits & Hiring Process

BPD sworn applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including passing a written examination, background check, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological evaluation before beginning training at the Baltimore Police Academy. 

Salaries for police officers range from $64,416 to $121,645, with competitive benefits including: 

• $10,000 Signing Bonus 

• $12,000 Relocation Incentive ($1,000/month for one year) 

• $5,000/year in student loan assistance for new hires 

• Pension after 25 years of service (60% of salary) 

• Health, dental, vision, and prescription insurance 

• Industry-leading wellness support 

• 12 weeks of family and medical leave after one year of employment 

• Six-month paid entry-level Police Academy training 

• Educational pay incentives for associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees 

• Free equipment and uniforms 

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays  

• And more!  

Professional Career Opportunities at BPD

BPD’s professional members play a critical role in supporting public safety and ensuring the department operates efficiently. The City of Baltimore offers market-competitive compensation and a variety of career opportunities, including: 

• Civilian Investigator 

• Crime Lab Technician 

• Information Technology Engineer 

• Crime Analyst 

• Forensic Scientist 

• Dispatcher 

• 911 Operator  

• Firearms Instructor 

• Finance Professional  

• Human Resources Associate 

• And more! 

For more details on the campaign and available opportunities, visit joinbaltimorepd.org. 

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BPD Mission Statement

The Baltimore Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and enforcing laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. We commit to creating and maintaining a culture of service that builds trust and legitimacy in all communities, values the sanctity of human life, and provides for the safety and well-being of all.