Police Officer Candidate/Police Officer I

Salary : See Position Description

Location : Gaithersburg, MD

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : FY2025-00968

Department : Police

Division : Police Department (1211)

Opening Date : 01 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 31 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Eastern

FLSA : Non-Exempt

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 as a police officer may be given preference.

APPLICATION, RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

Complete & Submit the Online Application & Confidential Questionnaire

Online applications must be fully completed and filed by the posted online closing date. Applicants MUST attach the to the online application. If the Questionnaire is not submitted, the application will not be reviewed.

The is a comprehensive document requiring a significant amount of information. Complete this document before you begin the online application process, so you will be ready to attach your completed questionnaire to your application when you submit it. ( Please Note : The GPD Confidential Questionnaire is a separate fillable form document, not the "Questions" portion of the online application.)

1. Click on this link - (PDF) - to download the Questionnaire.

2. Save the Questionnaire PDF file to a computer.

3. Open the Questionnairewith Adobe Reader.

4. Fill out the Questionnaire completely :

• Read all instructions carefully and complete all sections of the Questionnaire as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

If a portion of the Questionnaire does not apply to you, or there is no information you can enter, mark those portions as "N / A" or "Not Applicable" or in some other similar manner.

If you are unable to sign (e-sign) your Questionnaire on the pages where a digital signature is required, you may provide signatures at a later time (invited candidates only).

Gather associated documentation to submit when instructed to do so (invited candidates only).

5. Save the completed Questionnaire.

6. Complete the online application, including the "Questions" portion.

7. Attach the saved completed Questionnaire to your online application.

8. Submit your complete online application and attached Questionnaire.

Resumes and other materials may be submitted to supplement your application, but not in lieu of your application; do not use "see resume" or "see attachment." The application and Questionnaire must be filled out completely; incomplete applications / Questionnaires will be rejected.

Online applications and attached materials are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

WARNING : Intentionally lying or intentionally withholding information will result in a permanent disqualification.

Written Examination

After completing the online application, applicants who pass the initial screening phase will be invited to attend the written examination. Applicants must receive a score of 70% 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 Commission (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 receive a minimum passing score in each category to successfully pass this physical fitness test.

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 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.

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 Commission (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 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 and 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) :

Candidates with law enforcement experience butwho 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 Commission (MPCTC), including all non-Maryland certified Police Officers.

MARYLAND CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER (PO I) :

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 Commission. The academy runs for approximately six to eight months; and 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; responsibility is shared with the Montgomery County Department of Police. City officers respond to calls for service as necessary and utilize partnerships 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 :

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 :

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 or classification description.

Qualifications

Police Officer Candidate applicants must meet the following standards to be considered for employment :

In addition to the above-listed standards, applicants must meet the following standards to be hired at the rank of Police Officer I :

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 $65,926 (FY 2025). 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 $67,903 to $76,426, based on the amount of prior law enforcement experience. The top pay-out for a Police Officer III in the Department is $113,238. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.

Excellent benefits and opportunities including :

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, Confidential Questionnaire, or recruitment process, please contact the City of Gaithersburg Police Department at 301.258.6400 or Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at 301.258.6327 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

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

Prescription Drug Plan

Wellness Initiatives

Dental Insurance

Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings

Basic or Enhanced Plans offered

Vision Insurance

Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings

RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS

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

Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)

Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)

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)

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

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.

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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?

Do you possess a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) certification?

List your MPCTC certification number if applicable.

Are you currently or have you ever been employed by a Maryland police department or law enforcement agency as a law enforcement officer?

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?

If you are currently or were previously employed as a law enforcement officer, please provide the name of the police department or 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".)

Please select the statement that best applies to you :

Do you have a High School Diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent (GED)?

Do you have a college degree(s)?

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education? (You must select one.)

Have you ever served in the United States military?

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.)

If you served in the military, please list the military branch in which you served and the dates of your enlistment.

Are you fluent in any languages other than English?

Please list the languages (other than English) in which you are fluent (speak, read, and write).

Have you ever been terminated or discharged from a law enforcement agency due to disciplinary action or unsatisfactory performance? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever resigned from a law enforcement agency prior to that agency initiating termination proceedings? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you been terminated from any employment on one occasion in the last six months for disciplinary action or unsatisfactory performance? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you been terminated from any employment on three or more occasions, regardless of time frame, due to disciplinary action or unsatisfactory performance? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Do you possess a valid driver's license? (If no, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you received a revocation or suspension of your driver's license for any time period within the last two years? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

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? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

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? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you received five or more moving violations / traffic citations in the past three years (this excludes camera citations of any type)? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever pled guilty or received a conviction or received probation before judgment for any felony offense as an adult? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever been convicted or otherwise found guilty of a misdemeanor (other than Probation before Judgement) for which a sentence of imprisonment of over one (1) year or more may have been imposed? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

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 offense? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Are you legally prohibited from possessing a firearm? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever received a conviction for any acts of domestic violence? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever received a final order for protection in any state as the respondent (person the protective order was filed against)? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever sold any type of drug, including marijuana? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you used any illegal drugs in the last 3 years (do not include marijuana)? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever used LSD? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever used heroin? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you ever used PCP? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you used the following drugs five or more combined times in your lifetime : cocaine, psilocybin (mushrooms), steroids, or inhalants? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Have you used any of the drugs listed in the previous question more than once since the age of 21? (If yes, please provide a detailed explanation in the Confidential Questionnaire.)

Applicants for this position MUST attach a completed GPD Confidential Questionnaire for Police Officers / Police Officer Candidates to the online application; your application will not be processed without your completed Questionnaire. Have you attached your completed Questionnaire to your application?

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?

How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?

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

Salary : $67,903 - $76,426