Police Officer Candidate/Police Officer I
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Job Number: FY2026-01024
Salary: $70,000 - $82,337
Closing Date: September 30, 2025
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 as a police officer may be given preference.
Applicants will be considered in the category for which they qualify, as outlined below:
POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATE (POC):
- Entry level candidates who have no previous law enforcement experience; or
- Candidates with law enforcement experience but who are not currently certified or have not been certified within the past 3 years as a police officer through the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC), including all non-Maryland certified Police Officers.
- Must be currently certified as a Police Officer through the MPCTC or hold an MPCTC certification issued within the last 3 years (you must have an MPCTC number); and
- Must have current or previous work experience as a law enforcement officer with a Maryland law enforcement agency.
Job Functions
The Gaithersburg Police Department provides law enforcement-related services to more than 71,000 residents. City officers respond to calls for service as necessary and utilize a data driven approach to solve problems and to deal with issues affecting the safety and quality of life in all City neighborhoods.
As a Police Officer Candidate, you will:
- Attend and successfully complete a Maryland certified law enforcement training academy designed to provide training in police methods and procedures including but not limited to patrol functions, crime prevention, law enforcement, investigation, and identification techniques, equipment, legal obligations, police records and reports, first aid, weapons, effective and professional communication, emergency vehicle operation, and physical fitness.
- Receive instruction in the City of Gaithersburg Police Department's organization, chain of command, and rules, regulations, and procedures.
- May provide administrative or other clerical tasks in support of department functions and services when not attending academy training.
- Participate in in-service and special training programs as assigned.
As a Police Officer I, you will:
- On an assigned shift, operate a patrol vehicle, bicycle, or walk to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order.
- Respond to radio dispatches and answer calls and complaints; investigate crimes, traffic accidents, and domestic disputes.
- Issue traffic citations; serve warrants and summonses; make arrests and testify in court.
- Direct traffic, provide police escorts, perform residential and commercial checks.
- Fill out arrest records, prepare reports and records, transport prisoners.
- Participate in in-service and special training programs as assigned.
Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please click the link to view the Police Officer Candidate or Police Officer I classification description.
