Police Cadets; Cadet- Police Department

Position Summary

Position Summary/Class Description

STARTING SALARY FOR FULL TIME CADETS: $40,797 ANNUAL

Howard County Police Department is conducting written and physical testing for full‑time Cadet. Howard County Police Cadets support officers and civilians in the Department.

Typical functions include but are not limited to:

• Assistance with clerical and administrative, and communications functions
• Transportation of evidence to various state and federal agencies
• Provide traffic direction and assist with various functions during special events
• Presentation of programs to the public
• Community Outreach

To be considered for employment, applicants must meet the following standards:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be at least 18 years old AND less than 21 years old by employment date
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
• In addition to the above qualifications you will also be required to complete a background investigation

All applications must be submitted at

Prior To And On Testing Day

You must complete an application prior to testing day at . Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to complete your Personal History Questionnaire.

Applications are good for six months. If you previously applied within the last six months, you are not eligible to re‑apply until six months from that date. Contact recruitment with questions.

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)

After your initial application has been approved, you will receive instructions to complete your PHQ via a unique e‑mail link. You will have ten days to complete and submit the PHQ electronically. It is critical that you are thorough and honest when completing this booklet, as all the information you provide will be verified during your polygraph exam and background investigation.

Written Exam And Physical Agility Test

When testing is offered it will be at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Dr., Marriottsville, MD 21104

Doors open one hour prior to testing. NO ONE will be permitted to enter beyond the start time. In case of inclement weather, call 410‑313‑3200.

Written Test

The written test is scheduled and offered on an ongoing basis. You will have two hours to complete the written test. Passing written test scores are valid for six months or until the next academy is selected. If you do not pass the written test, you will be ineligible to re‑test for six months.

Physical Agility Test

You must first pass the written test before you are eligible to take the physical agility test. It is required that you bring the completed HCPD Physician's Authorization Form with you in order to complete the physical agility test. The physical agility test is comprised of three physical tests: sit‑ups, push‑ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Standards for each test are based on your age and gender, which are detailed on the Physician's Authorization Form.

You are eligible to take the physical agility test as many times as it is offered within six months following your successful passage of the written test.

Oral Interview

Upon successful completion of the physical agility test, you will participate in a panel interview. The oral interview is conducted by three Howard County Police employees. A series of questions will be asked of you concerning your experiences, abilities, and job awareness.

Polygraph Exam

Upon successful completion of the oral interview, you will be scheduled for a polygraph exam. You will receive an information sheet concerning the polygraph exam explaining the polygraph equipment and exam procedures. The examiner will review all test questions with you prior to the test administration. You can expect the polygraph exam to last approximately three hours with a certified Polygraph Examiner.

Background Investigation

If you are endorsed following the polygraph examination, your case file will be assigned to a Background Investigator. The investigator will make contact with you and will conduct various records checks, verify education and work history, and contact all of your listed…