Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often do you accept applications?

We have a continuous application process, which means that we accept applications at any time. Applications are held on file in an active status until a selection process is started. All applicants who have an application on file will receive written notification when a selection process commences. It is important that you keep any change of address information current with us so that you won’t miss out on an opportunity!

2. What are the Basic Requirements I must meet?

• You must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by graduation from the Academy.
• You must possess at least a High School Diploma or a General Educational Development (GED).
• You must possess a sufficient level of fitness to successfully complete physical agility screening.
• You must possess a valid Driver’s License, at least equivalent to a Maryland Class C License, at the time of appointment to the Academy.
• You must possess the ability to successfully complete a written entrance level examination, an oral interview, physical agility test, drug screening, medical screening, and psychological screening.
• You must possess an excellent moral character and background that will withstand an in-depth investigation, including polygraph examination(s).

3. Does the Police Department train me?

If you are successful in the selection process, you will be appointed as a police officer in the City of Frederick and will be assigned to the Frederick Police Academy as a Student Officer. The academy, which runs approximately 30 weeks, will provide classroom and practical training. Upon graduation, you will be assigned to a ten-week Field Training Program, which will put the academy training into practice. Once you have successfully completed Field Training, you will become a fully functional member of a Patrol Shift.

4. How often do you have an Academy Class?

The Frederick Police Department has their own Academy, certified by the Maryland Police Training Commission. We normally hold a session once a year. In addition to training our own officers, we also provide training for other police agencies in the surrounding counties. The class size is about twenty-four (24), which ensures quality instruction and individual attention. Students attend classes Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, with some evenings and weekends to satisfy special training needs.

5. How long does it take to get into the Academy? Why does the hiring process take so long?

The time frame from the commencement of the entry level written test is about four to five (4-5) months. The selection process encompasses many components, which require substantial time to complete. The Department must schedule, administer, and process a series of testing components that are designed to identify applicants that are the best, most qualified candidates to become Frederick Police Officers.

6. What are the Selection Steps for becoming a Frederick Police Officer?

• Complete an Application for Employment.
• Complete a Personal History Questionnaire.
• Pass a physical agility component.
• Successfully complete an entry-level written examination.
• Appear before an Oral Board for interview by police officers.
• Submit to a background investigation and any subsequent polygraph examination(s).
• Submit to written psychological screening and psychological interview.
• Submit to a physical examination and drug screening.

7. Can I transfer laterally to the Frederick Police Department from another police department?

Yes. The Frederick Police Department welcomes applicants from other agencies. We recognize the value of applicants who have previous law enforcement experience, and provide pay incentives commensurate with an applicant’s police experience. Law enforcement officers who do not have certification from the Maryland Police Training Commission will be assigned to the next Academy Class for training. All candidates must meet all established pre-employment requirements, and successfully complete all components of the hiring process in order to be selected.

The lateral employment program will provide up to a maximum of two years starting salary/pay incentives for qualified candidates. This program does not provide for the lateral transfer of rank or rights to any seniority status.

8. Can I transfer credit for retirement service to the City of Frederick?

Service from other agencies and the military may be eligible for transfer, based on the following information:

• Applicants may be eligible to transfer prior State and Municipal service in Maryland. The City’s Office of Human Resources determines eligibility.

• Applicants may earn up to three (3) years credit for police service with other jurisdictions. The City’s Office of Human Resources determines eligibility.

• Applicants may receive retirement credit for up to three (3) years military service after ten (10) years of service with the City of Frederick, providing no military retirement benefit is already being received by the employee.

9. If I am already a Police Officer in another jurisdiction, what training will I be required to receive?

A. For those applicants possessing a Maryland Police Training Commission certification, we require the successful completion of a shortened Training Academy class of a minimum three (3) weeks. The officer would then be assigned to Field Training for ten (10) weeks. In those instances where a candidate fails to successfully complete this shortened training session, or in those cases where the department determines that an applicant requires additional training, participation in the entry level academy may be an option.

B. Non-Maryland certified officers will be required to attend our basic 30 week entry-level Training Academy and successfully complete this component, as well as Field Training.

C. The decision on whether a candidate will attend an abbreviated academy or a full academy is made on a case-by-case basis.

10. Is there an accelerated testing process available to applicants who may live out of state?

The department will work with you to ensure that you participate in all components of the process with the minimum amount of travel. However, you should be prepared to make a minimum of five (5) appointments with us.

11. Do you have an eyesight requirement?

Your eyesight must be correctable to 20/20. There is no uncorrected requirement. Applicants who have undergone eye surgery to meet minimum vision standards may be required to submit medical data at their own expense to demonstrate visual stability.

12. Does your department have a residency requirement, meaning do I have to live in the City of Frederick?

No. Police Department employees are not required to live in the City.

13. Will I receive a paycheck while I attend the Police Academy?

Yes. Once you are appointed to the Frederick Police Academy, you become an employee of the City of Frederick. Our employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis, every other Friday.