Police Officer

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 April 14th, 2026, and will end April 29th, 2026. New applicants will be required to begin the process by taking a written test on April 29th, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at The Allegany College of Maryland Gymnasium located at 12401 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. Those who pass the written test will then participate in the physical fitness testing following the written test. Lateral candidates will be notified of 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 are 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 $51,565.00 annually.

Lateral and comparative compliance candidates would receive a higher salary commensurate with experience.

Police Officer benefits include paid vacation, 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.

Newly hired officers, after successfully completing the police academy, and out-of-state, currently certified lateral officer applicants who successfully complete a comparative compliance academy will receive an additional $2,000 signing bonus. In addition, those who are veterans are eligible for an additional $2,000 and those who hold a bachelor’s degree are eligible for an additional $2,000 for a total possible signing bonus of $6,000 upon achieving Maryland certification.

Newly hired police officers who were not previously employed by the Cumberland Police Department and are currently certified as a Maryland Police Officer, or Certified Officers from other states who comply with Comparative Compliance Standards, will be eligible to receive a $15,000.00 bonus;

● $5,000.00 payable upon hiring

● $5,000.00 payable after completion of 1 year of employment

● $5,000.00 payable after completing 3 years of employment

Candidates interested in participating in the testing process must pick up an employment application and information packet at City Hall, located at 57 N. Liberty Street, Cumberland, MD. The completed employment application must be returned to City Hall by the close of business on April 29th, 2026. For questions you may also contact Lieutenant Alex Menges at 301-759-6500, any CPD officer, or e-mail recruiter@cumberlandmd.gov. The Cumberland Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: From $51,565.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• I certify that I have read the job description prior to applying.

Work Location: In person