Things You Will Need

1. A Black Pen
2. A Note Pad
3. Your Valid Driver’s License

If you live more than 5 hours away from the State of Maryland, you can email your information to TFC Dawson. In your e-mail, you must include your: Full name, Mailing address, Military Branch / Separation date (if applicable) and any other relevant information.

Physical Exam

Applicants will also be evaluated based on a standardized set of physical criteria.

1. Push-Ups: eighteen (18) in one minute
2. Sit-Ups: twenty-seven (27) in one minute
3. Flexibility: approximately 1.4 inches beyond toes (while seated)
4. 1.5 Mile Run: maximum time of 15 minutes and 20 seconds (15:20)
5. Handgun Trigger Pull: must pull trigger ten (10) times with each hand (Trooper’s Only)

Written Exam

Once you have completed the Functional Fitness Assessment Test, you will complete the nationally recognized four part P.O.S.T. Exam (Police Officer Standardized Testing). The test consists of four individually timed sections.

1. Mathematics
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Spelling / Grammar
4. Writing

In order to move forward in the process of police training in Maryland, applicants must achieve a passing score on the overall test as well as on each individual section.

Reviews and Interviews

Application Review
Applicants will be given a full employment application packet at the written exam location. Applicants are advised to return their completed applications within 3 weeks of successfully passing the written exam. Applications are then reviewed for completeness and competitiveness.

Conditional Offer of Employment
If selected, you will receive a conditional offer of employment. This offer is not a guarantee of any future employment with our Department. The offer is simply required so that further testing can be completed.

Oral Interview
You will sit before an interview board comprised of three members of the Department. You will be asked personal background and problem solving questions. You will also need to display interpersonal skills and knowledge of the Maryland State Police.

Polygraph & Background Investigation
You will be subject to a detailed polygraph examination. Also, an investigator will research your background by contacting your friends, relatives, employers, schools, etc.

Medical & Psychological Examinations
Medical and psychological screenings will be conducted, along with a written psychological test and interview by the Department Psychologist.

Police Selection Committee
With the exception of the medical testing, your employment package will be assigned to a member of the Police Selection Committee. A review of all elements of the process will be conducted and presented to the Committee which is comprised of a cross-section of both sworn and civilian members of the Department.Candidates whose credentials match the challenges of a career as a Trooper are selected.

Begin the process of police training in Maryland.

Resources

1. Maryland Police Recruiting
2. Maryland Department of Public Safety

Law enforcement is a highly sought after career in all 50 states and as your police training guide we intend to make sure that you are aware of all the police academy requirements and training regiments in your particular area.

Despite the amount of information available on the internet it is often hard to find answers to the simplest questions on law enforcement careers. We break down up to date information and organize everything for you to find in the fastest manner possible.  Whether you are veteran or a police officer hopeful we will have information to help you get your career started and climb the ranks of your department.

How to Become a Police Officer

Joining a police force is not for everyone. In many cities police are one of the first responders and are entrusted to respond to emergency situations and routine community issues. It is a profession that can be very rewarding and also grueling, both mentally and physically.

To get a better idea of what is expected, read the police officer job description.

Along with fulfilling the basic expectations of the job description, each city and state have different standards for police academy requirements and officer training. Physical and standard testing are often apart of the course one must take in order to step into the world of law enforcement.

To find out what is required in your city or state, please take a look at training requirements.