Police Officer Candidate/Police Officer I

Description PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION The Gaithersburg Police Department is a nationally accredited agency dedicated to creating a better quality of life for everyone in Gaithersburg, in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Our officers are highly trained and our progressive department is guided by the agency's values: service, integrity, and respect. The department's size is just right for those who want a law enforcement career with a variety of assignments and opportunities for advancement. We pride ourselves in offering the best equipment, training, and technology to our officers. The department is looking for ambitious people seeking careers in law enforcement; and our application process for entry level police officers and lateral/certified police officers is ongoing. The process establishes a standing eligibility list for future Department vacancies; positions are filled based on operational needs. Individuals with prior experience may be given preference. APPLICATION, RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS Complete & Submit the Online Application & Personal History Statement Online applications must be fully completed and filed by the posted online closing date. Applicants who move forward in the process after completing the online application will receive an email invitation to complete the Personal History Statement. Applicants MUST complete the Personal History Statement in its entirety, ensuring that the instructions in each section are followed and the information provided is complete and accurate. The Personal History Statement is a comprehensive document requiring a significant amount of information. Applicants will have 14 days to complete the Personal History Statement. If you are unable to complete the Personal History Statement within 14 days of receiving the activation link, your account will be locked. Should you wish to unlock your account and reactivate your Personal History Statement, send a message via the online portal requesting additional time. Please note that after 60 days, your account will be archived and unable to be reactivated. Again, only fully completed Personal History Statements will be accepted. Please note that intentionally lying or deliberately withholding information on the online application and/or Personal History Statement will result in an applicant's permanent disqualification. Online applications and attached materials are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted. Written Examination After completing the online application and Personal History Statement, applicants who pass the initial screening phase may be invited to attend the written examination. Applicants must receive a score of 60% or higher to pass the exam. The written exam is standardized and timed, and uses valid, non-discriminatory procedures. Applicants provide a writing sample as part of the examination. Physical Fitness Test A physical fitness test will be administered to all applicants on the same day as the written examination (an applicant must be invited to attend). The minimum acceptable scores for each component have been determined from the universally accepted Cooper Institute standards for public safety employees and the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC). These minimum acceptable passing scores fall well within averages of previous physical fitness testing conducted by the Gaithersburg Police Department. Each component will be demonstrated prior to administration. All applicants must pass each category listed below to successfully complete this physical fitness test. * 10 push-ups in one minute; * 15 sit-ups in one minute; * 18:00 minute 1.5 mile run; * 80 seconds 300 meter run; * Climb over a barrier; * Pull/drag of a 150 lb. dummy for 15 feet; and * Traverse up and down two flights of stairs. Oral Interview Applicants who pass both the written examination and physical fitness test may proceed to this phase. The Interview Board will be comprised of members of the department who have been trained in this process. Applicants who pass the oral interview and are selected will be assigned to the background investigation phase. Background Investigation A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on selected applicants. A background investigation is required by City of Gaithersburg ordinance and Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) regulations, and will be conducted by sworn officers trained in investigative techniques. Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) Selected applicants will be given a truth verification exam (CVSA). The exam will be conducted by a professional who is licensed/trained to administer and interpret the results. The examination is conducted at no cost to the candidate. Post-Conditional Testing Selected applicants who have successfully completed all steps in the application process up to this point may be eligible for a conditional offer of employment. Conditional offers of employment will be made as job openings arise. The offer of employment is conditional upon successful completion of the remaining steps in the selection process. Candidates must successfully complete each required pre-placement examination or assessment before moving to the next examination or assessment. If any elements of the pre-placement process are not successfully completed, the offer of employment will be withdrawn by the City of Gaithersburg. Post-Conditional Testing consists of: * Pre-Placement Emotional Stability and Psychological Examination: Will be conducted by professionals licensed/trained in this area (conducted at no cost to the candidate). * Pre-Placement Medical Examination & Physical Fitness/Physical Agility Assessment: A more comprehensive fitness/agility test and stress test will be conducted by professionals licensed/trained in this area (conducted at no cost to the candidate). A vision test is included in the medical examination to ensure candidates meet the standards recommended for color vision, acuity, binocularity, stereopsis (depth perception), and other vision skills. A drug-screening test is included in the medical examination and is required by the State of Maryland. Chief's Interview Selected applicants will participate in a one-on-one interview with the Chief of Police. Formal Offer of Employment If all tests, examinations, and remaining background investigation matters are completed successfully, the City of Gaithersburg will provide selected candidates with a formal employment offer which will include the anticipated employment start date. Applicants are highly encouraged to review the Gaithersburg Police Department's Application & Selection Process and Job Requirements web pages on the City website for further information. HIRING CATEGORIES Applicants will be considered in the category for which they qualify, as outlined below: POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATE (POC): * Entry level candidates who have no previous law enforcement experience; or * Candidates with law enforcement experience but who are not currently certified or have not been certified within the past 3 years as a police officer through the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC), including all non-Maryland certified Police Officers. MARYLAND CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER (PO I): * Must be currently certified as a Police Officer through the MPCTC or hold an MPCTC certification issued within the last 3 years (you must have an MPCTC number); and * Must have current or previous work experience as a law enforcement officer with a Maryland law enforcement agency. A POC is a civilian position for the purpose of early-hiring (administrative, clerical work, and ride-alongs) and/or entry level training at a Maryland certified law enforcement academy only. A POC is required to satisfy all academic and physical training and testing at the law enforcement academy lasting several months. Upon successful completion of the law enforcement academy and MPCTC certification, a POC will be automatically promoted to the position of Police Officer I, and assume the job duties of a police officer. A Maryland Certified Police Officer is hired at the rank of Police Officer I; this position may not attend a law enforcement academy, but is assigned to a minimum four-week Field Training Program. The Gaithersburg Police Department does not run its own academy. Candidates hired for the POC position will be sent to a local law enforcement training academy that meets all of the requirements of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions. The academy runs for approximately six to eight months; continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the law enforcement training academy. Upon successful completion of the academy, the officer is assigned to the Field Training Program with experienced officers for a minimum of 14 weeks. The POC and Police Officer I positions have a 12-month general probationary period from the date of hire, and a 24-month officer probationary period from the date of hire. These two probationary periods run concurrently. Job Functions The Gaithersburg Police Department provides law enforcement-related services to more than 71,000 residents. City officers respond to calls for service as necessary and utilize a data driven approach to solve problems and to deal with issues affecting the safety and quality of life in all City neighborhoods. As a Police Officer Candidate, you will: * Attend and successfully complete a Maryland certified law enforcement training academy designed to provide training in police methods and procedures including but not limited to patrol functions, crime prevention, law enforcement, investigation, and identification techniques, equipment, legal obligations, police records and reports, first aid, weapons, effective and professional communication, emergency vehicle operation, and physical fitness. * Receive instruction in the City of Gaithersburg Police Department's organization, chain of command, and rules, regulations, and procedures. * May provide administrative or other clerical tasks in support of department functions and services when not attending academy training. * Participate in in-service and special training programs as assigned. As a Police Officer I, you will: * Operate a patrol vehicle while responding to calls for service, address community complaints while riding a police bicycle, respond to incidents on foot, and/or conduct proactive foot patrol. * Investigate and enforce violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities and/or persons, and disturbances of law and order. * Respond to radio dispatches and answer calls and complaints; investigate crimes, traffic accidents, and domestic disputes. * Issue traffic citations; serve warrants and summonses; make arrests and testify in court. * Direct traffic, provide police escorts, perform residential and commercial checks. * Fill out arrest records, prepare reports and records, transport prisoners. * Participate in in-service and special training programs as assigned. Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please click the link to view the Police Officer Candidate or Police Officer I classification description. Qualifications Police Officer Candidate applicants must meet the following standards to be considered for employment: * Must be 21 years old at time of appointment to Police Officer I to be Certified by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions. * Be a United States citizen or a permanent legal resident of the United States and an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (provided that U.S. citizenship has been applied for and the application is still pending at the time of appointment as a Police Officer). * Possess a valid driver's license and have a good overall driving record. * Be in excellent physical and mental condition as determined by comprehensive examinations. * Be able to meet the established vision standards required to successfully perform police officer tasks including passing tests for color vision (including a 14-panel Ishihara Vision Test for color blindness), acuity, binocularity, stereopsis (depth perception), and other vision skills. * Have graduated from an accredited high school, or possess a high school diploma recognized by the Maryland Department of Education or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). * Be of good moral character, with no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions for which a sentence of imprisonment for one year or more could have been imposed. * Not be a current user of illegal drugs. In addition to the above-listed standards, applicants must meet the following standards to be hired at the rank of Police Officer I: * Must be currently certified as a Police Officer through the MPCTC or hold an MPCTC certification issued within the last 3 years. You must have an MPCTC number. * Be currently employed by or have previously been employed by a Maryland law enforcement agency as a law enforcement officer. PLEASE NOTE: If you applied for a police officer position within the last year and were notified that your application is still in process or were notified that you were not eligible to reapply, your application is still on file and you should not reapply during this recruitment period. New applications will not be processed; please do not reapply. Additional Information ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Salary & Benefits: Starting annual salary for a POC with no prior law enforcement experience or a Police Officer I (Maryland Certified Officer) with six (6) months or less of prior law enforcement experience is $70,000 (FY 2026). For a POC or Police Officer I (Maryland Certified Officer) with seven (7) months or more of prior qualified law enforcement experience, the starting annual salary is $72,450 to $82,337 (FY 2026), based on the amount of prior law enforcement experience. The top pay-out for a Police Officer III in the Department is $121,996 (FY 2026). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees. Excellent benefits and opportunities including: * Medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance. * Paid holiday, vacation, sick, personal, family care, and volunteer service leave. * Generous retirement plans (combined total annual contribution equivalent to 26% of base salary - 10% employee and 16% employer - into 401A/401K/457 Plans). * Multilingual skills pay ($2,080 annually) disbursed biweekly through payroll. * Take-home vehicle program (eligible upon successful completion of field training program for entry level officers and after a driving evaluation for lateral officers) (view map). * Four-day workweek (10 hour shifts). * The ability to earn 60 credits towards an associate degree with the University of Maryland Global Campus upon successful completion of a Maryland law enforcement academy and the department's Field Training Program. * Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans. * Entry level officers are eligible for a $5,000 hiring bonus paid after satisfactory completion of the two-year police officer probation period. * Maryland certified officers are eligible for a $10,000 hiring bonus paid after satisfactory completion of the two-year police probation period. See the Benefits tab for additional information. Applications will be screened for employment eligibility by the City of Gaithersburg and applicants will be informed as to whether or not they are eligible to move forward in the selection process. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post-accident and random testing. For more information about the positions, recruitment process, online application process, or Personal History Statement, please contact the City of Gaithersburg Police Department at 301.258.6400 or . The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. HEALTH BENEFITS * Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier * Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family) * Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans) Medical Insurance * CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan * Prescription Drug Plan * Wellness Initiatives Dental Insurance * Sun Life Indemnity Plan * Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings * Basic or Enhanced Plans offered Vision Insurance * National Vision Administrators * Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS * Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire * 401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years * 401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years * 401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years * 457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only) PAID LEAVE * Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service) * Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual) * Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually) * Family Care Leave (up to 8 weeks in rolling 12-month period for eligible employees) to care for newborn/newly adopted/newly placed child or family member * Holidays (11 holidays observed each year) * Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually) * Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed) ADDITIONAL BENEFITS * Flexible Spending Accounts * Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans * Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance * Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance * Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly) * Language Learning Program (through Babbel) * Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees) * Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service) * Healthy Lifestyle Incentives * Employee Assistance Program * First-Time Homebuyer Assistance * Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs * Credit Union * Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts * Direct Deposit (required) HIRING BONUS ELIGIBILITY * $5,000 paid to entry level officers upon satisfactory completion of the two-year police officer probation period * $10,000 paid to Maryland Certified Officers upon satisfactory completion of the two-year police officer probation period Click on the link below to view general information about the benefits available. Summary of Employee Benefits (pdf) 01 Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Intentionally lying or intentionally withholding information will result in a permanent disqualification. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application? * Yes * No 02 Do you possess a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) certification? * Yes, I am currently MPCTC certified * Not currently, but I have held an MPCTC certification that was issued within the last 3 years * No, I am not MPCTC certified 03 List your MPCTC certification number if applicable. 04 Are you currently or have you ever been employed by a Maryland police department or law enforcement agency as a law enforcement officer? * Yes * No 05 Are you currently or have you ever been employed by a police department or law enforcement agency outside the State of Maryland as a law enforcement officer? * Yes * No 06 If you are currently or were previously employed as a law enforcement officer, please provide the name of the law enforcement agency that you work/worked for, your police certification number, and your dates of employment. (If you have no previous experience working as a law enforcement officer, please state "N/A".) 07 Please select the statement that best applies to you: * I am a United States Citizen * I am a permanent legal resident of the United States and an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and have applied for U.S. Citizenship 08 Do you have a High School Diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent (GED)? * Yes * No 09 Do you have a college degree(s) from an accredited institution? * Yes * No 10 Which of the following best describes your highest level of education? (You must select one.) * Master's Degree * Bachelor's Degree * Associate's Degree * Between 30 and 60 College Credits * Less than 30 College Credits * I have not attended college 11 Have you ever served in the United States military? * Yes * No 12 Did you receive, or do you expect to receive, an honorable discharge from the military? (Check "No Military Service" if you have never served in the U.S. Military.) * No Military Service * Yes * No 13 If you served in the military, please list the military branch in which you served and the dates of your enlistment. 14 Are you fluent in any languages other than English? * Yes * No 15 Please list the languages (other than English) in which you are fluent (speak, read, and write). 16 Have you ever pled guilty, received a conviction, received deferred prosecution, or received probation before judgment for any felony offense as an adult? * Yes * No 17 Have you ever been convicted or otherwise found guilty of a misdemeanor or received deferred prosecution or received probation before judgment for which a sentence of imprisonment of one (1) year or more could have been imposed? * Yes * No 18 Have you ever served a term of incarceration for a misdemeanor offense or served a term of incarceration as a condition of probation for a felony or misdemeanor criminal offense? * Yes * No 19 Are you legally prohibited from possessing a firearm? * Yes * No 20 Have you ever received a conviction for any acts of domestic violence? * Yes * No 21 Have you ever received a final order for protection in any state as the respondent (person the protective order was filed against)? * Yes * No 22 Have you received a conviction or received deferred prosecution or received probation before judgment or received reduced charges for a DUI or DWI within three years of the date of this application? * Yes * No 23 Have you received two or more convictions or received deferred prosecution or received probation before judgment or received reduced charges for a DUI or DWI within your entire lifetime? * Yes * No 24 Have you received six (6) or more moving violations or camera-enforced traffic citations within the past three (3) years? * Yes * No 25 Do you possess a valid driver's license? * Yes * No 26 Have you received a revocation or suspension of your driver's license for any time period within the last two (2) years? * Yes * No 27 Have you ever sold any type of drug, including marijuana? * Yes * No 28 Have you used any illegal drugs in the last three (3) years (do not include marijuana)? * Yes * No 29 Have you ever used LSD? * Yes * No 30 Have you ever used heroin? * Yes * No 31 Have you ever used PCP? * Yes * No 32 Have you used the following drugs five or more combined times in your lifetime: cocaine or derivatives (crack, etc.), psilocybin (mushrooms), steroids, or inhalants? * Yes * No 33 Have you used any of the drugs listed in the previous question more than once since the age of 21? * Yes * No 34 Do you possess an active medical marijuana card? * Yes * No 35 Have you been terminated from any employment on two (2) occasions within the past five (5) years due to disciplinary action or unsatisfactory performance? * Yes * No 36 Have you been terminated from any employment on one (1) occasion in the last twelve (12) months for disciplinary action or unsatisfactory performance? * Yes * No 37 Have you been terminated from any employment on three (3) or more occasions, regardless of time frame, due to disciplinary action or unsatisfactory performance? * Yes * No 38 Have you ever been terminated or discharged from a law enforcement agency due to disciplinary reasons, misconduct, or unsatisfactory performance reasons? * Yes * No 39 Have you ever resigned from a law enforcement agency prior to that agency initiating termination or discharge proceedings, whether for disciplinary reasons, misconduct, or unsatisfactory performance reasons? * Yes * No 40 Maryland certified applicants are encouraged to attach a copy of their MPCTC card to their application. Have you submitted a copy of your MPCTC card with your application? * Yes * No * Not applicable 41 How did you first learn about this employment opportunity? * City of Gaithersburg Website * Job Interest Card Notification * * * GPD Recruiting Event * GPD Officer * Indeed * * I am currently a City Employee * Friend or Relative * Social Media * Other Website * QR Code * Other 42 If you selected "Other Website," "Other," or "GPD Officer" in the previous question, please use the text box below to let us know how you first learned about this employment opportunity. Required Question Employer City of Gaithersburg Address 31 South Summit Avenue Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20877 Phone 301-258-6327 Website

Created: 2026-04-02