January 10th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Police Department is currently accepting applications for both entry-level police officers as well as lateral candidates with police certification in Maryland as well as other states. Candidates with out-of-state police certification will be evaluated on a case by case basis for eligibility for certification in Maryland. 

The application period will begin on January 1, 2020, and will end on January 28, 2020. New applicants will be required to begin the process by taking a written test on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 4:45 pm at the Cumberland Police Department, Cumberland, MD. Lateral candidates will be notified as to their testing requirements. 

The Cumberland Police Department is an accredited law enforcement agency that holds great pride in its professionalism and work ethic. Besides a patrol force, the department hosts several specialized positions such as detectives, school resource officers, canine officers, bike patrol, motorcycle patrol, tactical team, crisis negotiators, crash reconstructionist, among other assignments. Officers with the Cumberland Police Department enjoy working in a city that offers a variety of law enforcement experiences.  

Minimum requirements for the position of police officer is that the candidate must be at least 21 years of age, possess a high school diploma, have a valid driver’s license, be in good physical condition, and be able to pass a police service background investigation. 

The starting salary for entry-level police officers is $39,686 annually. Lateral and comparative compliance candidates would receive a higher salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation and holiday time, paid sick leave, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, Maryland Law Enforcement Officer Pension System, optional supplemental retirement funds program, and a take-home-vehicle program for officers who qualify. 

Candidates who are hired and successfully complete the police academy, complete a comparative compliance academy, or are otherwise accepted lateral officers will receive an additional $1,000 signing bonus. In addition, those who are veterans are eligible for an additional $1,000 and those who hold a bachelor’s degree are eligible for an additional $1,000 for a total possible signing bonus of $3,000 upon certification. 

Candidates interested in participating in the testing process must submit an employment application to the Cumberland Human Resources Department located at City Hall, 57 N. Liberty Street, Cumberland, MD by the testing date. Applications along with detailed information about pre-employment testing procedures are available on the City’s website, www.ci.cumberland.md.us. For questions, you may also contact Lt. James Burt at 301-759-6460, any CPD officer or e-mail cpd@cumberlandmd.gov.