Police Officer Candidate​/Police Officer I

Police Officer Position

The Gaithersburg Police Department is a nationally accredited agency dedicated to creating a better quality of life for everyone in Gaithersburg, in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Our officers are highly trained and our progressive department is guided by the agency's values: service, integrity, and respect. The department's size is just right for those who want a law enforcement career with a variety of assignments and opportunities for advancement.

We pride ourselves in offering the best equipment, training, and technology to our officers. The department is looking for ambitious people seeking careers in law enforcement; and our application process for entry level police officers and lateral/certified police officers is ongoing. The process establishes a standing eligibility list for future Department vacancies; positions are filled based on operational needs. Individuals with prior experience may be given preference.

Application, recruitment & selection process

Complete & submit the online application & personal history statement

Online applications must be fully completed and filed by the posted online closing date. Applicants who move forward in the process after completing the online application will receive an email invitation to complete the Personal History Statement. Applicants MUST complete the Personal History Statement in its entirety, ensuring that the instructions in each section are followed and the information provided is complete and accurate.

The Person al History Statement is a comprehensive document requiring a significant amount of information. Applicants will have 14 days to complete the Personal History Statement. If you are unable to complete the Personal History Statement within 14 days of receiving the activation link, your account will be locked. Should you wish to unlock your account and reactivate your Personal History Statement, send a message via the online portal requesting additional time.

Please note that after 60 days, your account will be archived and unable to be reactivated. Again, only fully completed Personal History Statements will be accepted. Please note that intentionally lying or deliberately withholding information on the online application and/or Personal History Statement will result in an applicant's permanent disqualification. Online applications and attached materials are stored on a secure site.

Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

Written examination

After completing the online application and Personal History Statement, applicants who pass the initial screening phase may be invited to attend the written examination. Applicants must receive a score of 60% or higher to pass the exam. The written exam is standardized and timed, and uses valid, non-discriminatory procedures. Applicants provide a writing sample as part of the examination.

Physical fitness test

A physical fitness test will be administered to all applicants on the same day as the written examination (an applicant must be invited to attend). The minimum acceptable scores for each component have been determined from the universally accepted Cooper Institute standards for public safety employees and the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC). These minimum acceptable passing scores fall well within averages of previous physical fitness testing conducted by the Gaithersburg Police Department.

Each component will be demonstrated prior to administration. All applicants must pass each category listed below to successfully complete this physical fitness test.

• 10 push-ups in one minute;
• 15 sit-ups in one minute;
• 18:00 minute 1.5 mile run;
• 80 seconds 300 meter run;
• Climb over a barrier;
• Pull/drag of a 150 lb. dummy for 15 feet; and
• Traverse up and down two flights of stairs.

Oral interview

Applicants who pass both the written examination and physical fitness test may proceed to this phase. The Interview Board will be comprised of members of the department who have been trained in this process. Applicants who pass the oral interview and are selected will be assigned to the background investigation phase.

Background investigation

A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on selected applicants. A background investigation is required by City of Gaithersburg ordinance and Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) regulations, and will be conducted by sworn officers trained in investigative techniques.

Computerized voice stress analysis (CVSA)

Selected applicants will be given a truth verification exam (CVSA). The exam will be conducted by a professional who is licensed/trained to administer and interpret the results. The examination is conducted at no cost to the candidate.

Post-conditional testing

Selected applicants who have successfully completed all steps in the application process up to this point may be eligible for a conditional offer of employment. Conditional offers of…