Police Officer (Lateral) Grade 10

LATERAL OFFICERS: MUST BE IN GOOD STANDING WITH THEIR CURRENT AGENCY OR HAVE LEFT THEIR PREVIOUS AGENCY IN GOOD STANDING. DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSTION IF YOU ARE A SECURITY GUARD OR SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER WHO HAS NOT COMPLETED A MARYLAND POLICE TRAINING STANDARDS COMMISSION POLICE ACADEMY.

The Police Department of Glenarden is seeking adults that demonstrate the characteristics of sound judgment, honesty, reliability, integrity, and the ability to blend the philosophy of community-oriented policing with a desire to best serve the interests of the residents of the Glenarden. Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, patrols City streets; enforces applicable city, county, state, and federal laws; maintains law and order; and protects life and property while deterring criminal activity.

Primary Duties:

Patrol Operations

• Patrols City streets and assigned areas to deter crime and maintain a visible police presence.   assigned areas, including streets, neighborhoods, business districts, parks, parking facilities, and public buildings.
• Monitors public spaces, neighborhoods, businesses, and roadways for criminal or suspicious activity. 
• Operates assigned patrol vehicles in compliance with traffic laws, safety standards, and departmental policies.
• Monitors conditions that may pose a risk to public safety and takes appropriate action.

Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention

• Enforces applicable city, county, state, and federal laws, and ordinances.
• Takes appropriate enforcement action to maintain public safety and order.
• Conducts traffic enforcement, including issuing citations and warnings.
• Takes preventive measures to reduce crime and disorder within assigned patrol areas.

Calls for Service and Emergency Response

• Responds to routine and emergency calls for service.
• Assesses situations to determine appropriate actions, resources, and equipment needed.
• Provides assistance during emergencies, including accidents, fires, medical incidents, and natural or man-made disasters.
• Administers first aid and lifesaving measures until relieved by medical personnel.

Arrest and Custody Procedures

• Makes lawful arrests based on observed violations, probable cause, or warrants.
• Advises individuals of their rights in accordance with the Miranda decision.
• Searches persons, vehicles, and property incident to lawful arrest or with consent.
• Transports or ensures the safe transport of prisoners in accordance with policy.
• Uses approved force options when necessary and in compliance with use-of-force guidelines.

Criminal Investigations

• Conducts preliminary investigations of crimes and incidents.
• Secures and protects crime scenes to preserve evidence.
• Identifies, collects, and preserves physical evidence and maintains chain of custody.
• Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Prepares investigative reports and documents findings.
• Conducts follow-up investigations as assigned.

Courtroom and Legal Responsibilities

• Prepares cases for court, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Testifies in court and provides depositions regarding incidents within the officer’s knowledge.
• Reviews reports, notes, and evidence to ensure accurate testimony.

Community Policing and Public Interaction

• Builds positive relationships with community members, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Responds to citizen inquiries, complaints, and concerns in a professional manner.
• Participates in community meetings, outreach activities, and crime prevention initiatives.
• Refers individuals to appropriate public or social service resources as needed.

Communication and Coordination

• Communicates effectively with dispatch, supervisors, fellow officers, and other agencies via radio, written reports, and direct contact.
• Shares information regarding crime trends, suspicious activity, and public safety concerns.
• Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies and emergency responders when required.

Equipment and Resource Management

• Maintains, inspects, and demonstrates proficiency in the use of all issued equipment, including firearms, radios, vehicles, restraints, and safety gear.
• Ensures equipment is properly secured, functional, and reported if damaged or missing.

Training and Professional Development

• Participates in required in-service, roll-call, and specialized training.
• Maintains required certifications and qualifications.
• Assists with training or mentoring of new or probationary officers as assigned.

Administrative Duties and Reporting

• Prepares accurate, timely, and comprehensive reports, citations, and documentation.
• Maintains records in accordance with departmental policies and legal requirements.
• Complies with departmental policies, procedures, and directives.

Professional Conduct and Ethics

• Upholds departmental values, ethical standards, and professional conduct.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and impartial enforcement of the law.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and protected information.

 Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must possess a valid unrestricted driver’s license
• Must possess a clean driving record
• Must be in good standings with previous law enforcement agency and/or certification authority to apply.
• Must pass a Comprehensive background check.

Knowledge of:

• patrol operations, radio communications, and dispatch protocols.
• traffic laws, accident investigation basics, and traffic enforcement techniques.
• preliminary criminal investigation methods and report writing standards.
• of crime scene security, evidence identification, collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody requirements.

Skill in:

• preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, and documentation.
• the operation and safe use of police vehicles, firearms, restraint devices, emergency equipment, and basic first aid equipment.

Ability to:

• mediate disputes and interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including testifying in court and preparing accurate reports and documentation.
• understand, interpret, and apply oral and written instructions, policies, procedures, and regulations with attention to detail and accuracy.
• speak effectively before groups and respond appropriately to questions from the public and other stakeholders.
• recall and accurately report names, faces, incidents, and critical details.
• remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively in emergency and high-stress situations.
• analyze complex situations, identify problems, and implement appropriate and effective courses of action with consideration of surrounding hazards and circumstances.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other agencies, and the public.
• interact courteously yet firmly with the public in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• organize work, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and follow through with minimal supervision.
• exercise tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• apply logical thinking to interpret and communicate complex policies, procedures, and protocols.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. EACH APPLICANT MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.

This is a full-time, permanent position designated as essential. Work schedules are determined by management and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and City-Sponsored events, as operational needs dictate. Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including psychological, polygraph, medical, and drug screenings. The salary range is $48,996 to $58,240 per year commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested applicants should submit a resume to Karen D.C. Shoultz at [email protected] by the closing date of September 3, 2026.

Applications will be submitted to management throughout the opening period for review and consideration.

The City of Glenarden is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and professional work environment.  Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.