State Police Training in Maryland
The first step to begin police training in Maryland is to attend Applicant Orientation. This orientation is held at locations throughout the State by the recruitment staff and is the first step for every applicant in the Maryland State Police. All applicant orientations begin promptly at 7 pm. During the Applicant Orientation you will complete a five-page pre-application and you will receive information about the Maryland State Police training.
Things You Will Need
- A Black Pen
- A Note Pad
- Your Valid Driver’s License
If you live more than 5 hours away from the State of Maryland, you can email your information to TFC Dawson. In your e-mail, you must include your: Full name, Mailing address, Military Branch / Separation date (if applicable) and any other relevant information.
Physical Exam
Applicants will also be evaluated based on a standardized set of physical criteria.
- Push-Ups: eighteen (18) in one minute
- Sit-Ups: twenty-seven (27) in one minute
- Flexibility: approximately 1.4 inches beyond toes (while seated)
- 1.5 Mile Run: maximum time of 15 minutes and 20 seconds (15:20)
- Handgun Trigger Pull: must pull trigger ten (10) times with each hand (Trooper’s Only)
Written Exam
Once you have completed the Functional Fitness Assessment Test, you will complete the nationally recognized four part P.O.S.T. Exam (Police Officer Standardized Testing). The test consists of four individually timed sections.
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Spelling / Grammar
- Writing
In order to move forward in the process of police training in Maryland, applicants must achieve a passing score on the overall test as well as on each individual section.
Reviews and Interviews
Application Review
Applicants will be given a full employment application packet at the written exam location. Applicants are advised to return their completed applications within 3 weeks of successfully passing the written exam. Applications are then reviewed for completeness and competitiveness.
Conditional Offer of Employment
If selected, you will receive a conditional offer of employment. This offer is not a guarantee of any future employment with our Department. The offer is simply required so that further testing can be completed.
Oral Interview
You will sit before an interview board comprised of three members of the Department. You will be asked personal background and problem solving questions. You will also need to display interpersonal skills and knowledge of the Maryland State Police.
Polygraph & Background Investigation
You will be subject to a detailed polygraph examination. Also, an investigator will research your background by contacting your friends, relatives, employers, schools, etc.
Medical & Psychological Examinations
Medical and psychological screenings will be conducted, along with a written psychological test and interview by the Department Psychologist.
Police Selection Committee
With the exception of the medical testing, your employment package will be assigned to a member of the Police Selection Committee. A review of all elements of the process will be conducted and presented to the Committee which is comprised of a cross-section of both sworn and civilian members of the Department.Candidates whose credentials match the challenges of a career as a Trooper are selected.
Begin the process of police training in Maryland.
