Police Officer Candidate/Police Officer I

Police Officer Position

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 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.

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.

Qualifications

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

• Must be 21 years old at