Sworn Careers
The BPD is one of the largest police departments in the United States, staffed by nearly 2500 civilian and sworn personnel. The department’s jurisdiction covers Maryland’s largest city, with a population over 550,000.
Sworn Officer
The Baltimore Police Department is committed to making a difference. Among our responsibilities to Baltimore’s communities is a commitment to providing career options with opportunities for advancement, development and training.
As of 1/3/25:
- Police Officer: $64,416 up to $121,645
- Sergeant: $90,966 up to $134,060
- Lieutenant: $105,774 up to $151,600
The BPD is an equal opportunity employer.
The BPD offers a competitive package that includes:
- A pension after 25 years of service (60% of sworn member’s salary)
- $12,000 Relocation to Baltimore City Incentive ($1,000 per month for one year)
- $10,000 signing bonus for new hires upon successful graduation
- $5,000/year additional student loan assistance for new hires
- Referral Bonus of $2,500-$7,500 per employee per hire
- Health insurance with prescription, dental and vision
- Industry-leading wellness support
- 12 weeks of family and medical leave after a year of employment
- Six-month paid entry-level Police Academy training
- Pay incentives for associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Equipment at no cost
- An option to participate in the tax-deferred, 457B retirement plan (Deferred Compensation)
- A property tax credit of up to $2,500 per year for officers who live in the city
- Paid Time Off for vacation, medical (sick time), and holidays
The ideal officer candidate:
- Is a U.S. citizen, or a permanent legal resident of the United States who: is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces; and has submitted an application for United States citizenship that is pending approval
- Possesses a valid driver’s license
- Is at least 20 years and 9 months of age upon beginning the Police Academy
- Has a high school diploma or GED
- Can pass a comprehensive background check
- Has a good driving record with no more than five points
- Has not had a DWI/DUI conviction within the last 24 months
- Has been Honorably Discharged if they served in the military
- Is not currently on parole or probation
- Has had any misdemeanor charges expunged
- No marijuana use within one year
- Can pass a mental and physical examination
- Is, above all, truthful throughout the hiring process
- Health Insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Pension
- Referral Bonus
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Health Insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Pension
- Referral Bonus
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
Hiring Bonus
Upon successfully passing Field training.
Hiring Process
2
NTN Exam
National Testing Network is FREE for all applicants. They will offer a list of in-person testing sites near you.
3
Fitness Test
Being an officer can be physically demanding at times, and this test will help you decide if you’re ready.
4
Interview & Investigation
Your interview with a background investigator is one of the first steps in the background investigation. You will also undergo a polygraph test.
5
Physical & Psychological
We want to make sure you’re ready for the physical, emotional and ethical challenges of this career—and prepared to serve and protect the people of Baltimore.
Your Career Path
The advancement opportunities within the Baltimore Police Department are as unique as your passion and talent. Officers can become leaders and specialists in a wide range of roles—from the Cyber Crimes team to the K-9 unit.
Path of an Officer
Top Positions Selected Internally
Senior Leadership
Police Cadet
In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. Apply as a police cadet today and get your career started. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team!
SALARY: $37,845 – ANNUALLY
All candidates indicating the minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity. It is essential, therefore, that you give complete and accurate information on your application. Vagueness or omission may prevent you from being considered for the position. Qualified candidates will not be listed in rank order.
EDUCATION: Have graduated from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
Have a valid Maryland ID or an equivalent out-of-state government issued ID acceptable to the Office of Risk Management is required.
NOTE 1: Applicants must be at least 17 years 6 months of age at the time of appointment for hire, but no older than 20 years of age at the time of appointment.
NOTE 2: Must be a United States citizen.
NOTE 3: Candidates for positions in this class will be fingerprinted and must undergo Federal, State and local fingerprint checks and a background investigation to include a physical examination and agility test, polygraph examination and psychological examination.
NOTE 4: Police Cadets who successfully complete the program are required to enter the first available entry level training class as a Police Officer Trainee at BPD’s Education & Training Academy (E&T) upon reaching the age of 20 years and 6 months. Failure to enter the Education and Training Academy as a Police Officer Trainee upon reaching this threshold will result in termination of employment with the BPD.
NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information and submit to drug testing.
NOTE: YOUR State ID MUST BE RECORDED ON YOUR APPLICATION AND WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY.
Applicants must have at the least the following qualifications to begin the process:
Be a United States citizen OR a permanent legal resident of the United States who (i) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces; and (ii) Has submitted an application for United States citizenship that is pending approval.
Have a valid Maryland ID or an equivalent out-of-state government issued ID acceptable to the Office of Risk Management is required. Please note, you cannot have any more than 3 points on your license.
- Must be 18 years of age upon beginning the Cadet Program.
- Must have a high school diploma or general education Development (GED) certified diploma recognized by the State Board of Education.
- Must be able to pass an extensive background check.
- Applicants do not need to be a Maryland resident.
- Applicants are ineligible if they have illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana for any purpose within 1 year (12 months).
- Must not have any current court orders relating to domestic violence.
- Cannot have been dishonorably discharged from the military.
- No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
- Misdemeanors must be expunged from criminal record.
- Must not have been arrested for DUI within the past 60 months.
Financial Disclosure:
This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.
BALTIMORE CITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
