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How to Join the Baltimore County Police

Becoming a police officer is a physically and mentally demanding discipline, with protocols we must adhere to for the safety of our cadets, officers, and community members they serve.

To become a Police Cadet or Officer, you must successfully complete the following:

Apply for Police Officer (21 years of age and older), Police Cadet (18 to 20 years of age) or Lateral Police Officer.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be notified of your test date via email. If you have questions after checking your status online, call the Office of Human Resources at 410-887-3135. Download a written test study guide (PDF).

If you pass the Written Exam, you will complete a test of your physical agility to determine your hand strength, endurance and cardiovascular capacity.

After passing the Written Exam and Physical Agility Test, Baltimore County will conduct a thorough background investigation.

Baltimore County will schedule you for a polygraph. During the exam, you will be interviewed about your integrity and personal history.

Baltimore County will schedule you for a psychological exam, which includes a personality screening and an interview with a psychologist.

Last, you will undergo a full medical examination by a physician designated by the Baltimore County Police Department.

If you pass the medical and physical screening, you will be eligible for the offer of employment.

Apply Online

Apply for Police Officer (21 years of age and older), Police Cadet (18 to 20 years of age) or Lateral Police Officer.

Written Examination

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be notified of your test date via email. If you have questions after checking your status online, call the Office of Human Resources at 410-887-3135.

Physical Agility Test

If you pass the Written Exam, you will complete a test of your physical agility to determine your hand strength, endurance and cardiovascular capacity.

Background Investigation

After passing the Written Exam and Physical Agility Test, Baltimore County will conduct a thorough background investigation.

Polygraph Examination

Baltimore County will schedule you for a polygraph. During the exam, you will be interviewed about your integrity and personal history.

Psychological Screening

Baltimore County will schedule you for a psychological exam, which includes a personality screening and an interview with a psychologist.

Medical Screening

Last, you will undergo a full medical examination by a physician designated by the Baltimore County Police Department.

Final Offer of Employment

If you pass the medical and physical screening, you will be eligible for the offer of employment.

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