Police Officer

Job Description

The Bel Air Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Current sworn police officers, as well as individuals aspiring to become police officers, are encouraged to apply. Under close supervision in the Training Academy or a Field Training Officer and/or a Patrol Supervisor, the successful candidate learns to perform the duties of a Town of Bel Air Police Officer and subsequently, through on-the-job training, performs these duties in an increasingly independent manner.

Employees will be assigned to a patrol shift at the discretion of the Police Department. At a minimum, graduation from a recognized high school or its equivalent and possession of a valid driver's license is required. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, a Police Officer Certification from the Maryland Police Training Commission (MPCTC), and at least two years of continuous service as a sworn police officer with a Maryland Police Agency or from another state where the certification meets or exceeds MPCTC requirements.

All candidates must be at least 21 years old and a US citizen. This is considered a local law enforcement position, and applicants will be responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Fiscal Year 2027 Police Officer Recruit/Lateral Pay Range:
From: $62,692 To: $100,602.

Participates in and successfully completes training programs to achieve and maintain proficiency requirements. Training will prepare employee to perform the following duties:

• Patrols designated areas, in a vehicle and on foot, to maintain a visible presence to deter crime, detects violations of laws and ordinances, identifies wanted vehicles, persons, and unusual conditions.
• Responds to calls for service, evaluates situations, and determines appropriate course of action, intervenes in fights, subdues attacking people and disarms suspects, restrains hostile individuals, and pursues fleeing suspects, assists in crowd control, performs rescue operations, responds to emergency situations under hazardous conditions, administers emergency medical aid, extinguishes small fires.
• Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants. Collects, preserves, and processes evidence, performs searches, detains suspicious vehicles and persons, arrests when probable cause exists, searches, restrains, transports, guards, and processes people. Serves warrants and summonses, conducts surveillance, and participates in raids or search parties.
• Identifies community problems through community interaction, recommends possible solutions to the department, attends, and participates in community meetings at the direction of the department, performs security surveys, and establishes a rapport with the public.
• Mediates disputes and advises victims, suspects, and the general public of rights and processes, performs crisis mediation with persons involved in domestic and civil disputes, suspects attempting suicide or hostage situations.
• Communicates effectively over law enforcement radio channels and through computer networks, utilizes communication equipment to verify warrants or identify wanted vehicles or people, prepares accurate and complete written investigative and other administrative reports and forms, arrest warrants and statements of charges using appropriate grammar and math, prepares cases, appears, and testifies in court.
• Enforces all traffic laws and ordinances, operates various types of radar and breathalyzer equipment, administers roadside sobriety tests, arranges for blood or other chemical tests, investigates accidents, directs traffic, and assists in special details.
• Inspects and maintains all assigned equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and clothing.

• Knowledge of the English language, including correct grammar and spelling. Knowledge of basic arithmetic and skills in basic map reading. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing in calm, loud, and distracting environments. Ability to apply knowledge, experience, and reason to arrive at prompt and effective decisions for both routine and critical situations. Ability to show sensitivity to the emotions, conditions, and motivations of people of various sex, race, religion, disability, and social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain composure…