GPD Confidential Questionnaire (PDF) to download the Questionnaire.
2.Savethe Questionnaire PDF file to a computer.
3. Openthe Questionnairewith Adobe Reader.
4. Fill outthe Questionnairecompletely:- Read all instructions carefully and complete all sections of the Questionnaire as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
- If a portion of the Questionnaire does not apply to you or there is no information you can enter mark those portions as N/A or Not Applicable or in some other similar manner.
- If you are unable to sign (esign) your Questionnaire on the pages where a digital signature is required you may provide signatures at a later time invited candidates only.
- Gather associated documentation to submit when instructed to do so invited candidates only.
5. Savethe completed Questionnaire.
6. Completethe online application including the Questions portion.
7. Attachthe saved completed Questionnaire to your online application.
8. Submityour complete online application and attached Questionnaire.- Maryland certified applicants may alsosubmit a copy of theirMPCTCcard (attached to the online application) but this is not required.
- Resumes and other materials may be submitted to supplement your application but not in lieu of your application; do not use see resume or see attachment. The application and Questionnaire must be filled out completely; incomplete applications/Questionnaires will be rejected.
- Online applications and attached materials are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.
- WARNING: Intentionallylying or intentionally withholding information will result in a permanent disqualification.
Written ExaminationAfter completing the online application applicants who pass the initial screening phase will be invited to attend the written examination. Applicants must receive a score of 60 or higher to pass the exam. The written exam is standardized and timed and uses valid nondiscriminatory procedures. Applicants provide a writing sample as part of the examination.
Physical Fitness Test
A physical fitness test will be administered to all applicants on the same day as the written examination (an applicant must be invited to attend). The minimum acceptable scores for each component have been determined from the universally accepted Cooper Institute standards for public safety employees and the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC). These minimum acceptable passing scores fall well within averages of previous physical fitness testing conducted by the Gaithersburg Police Department. Each component will be demonstrated prior to administration. All applicants must receive a minimum passing score in each category to successfully pass this physical fitness test.
- 10 pushups in one minute;
- 15 situps in one minute;
- 18:00 minute 1.5 mile run;
- 80 seconds 300 meter run;
- Climb over a barrier;
- Pull/drag of a 150 lb. dummy for 15 feet; and
- Traverse up and down two flights of stairs.
Oral Interview
Applicants who pass both the written examination and physical fitness test proceed to this phase. The Interview Board will be comprised of members of the department who have been trained in this process. Applicants who pass the oral interview and are selected will be assigned to the background investigation.
Background Investigation
A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on selected applicants. A background investigation is required by City of Gaithersburg ordinance and Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) regulations and will be conducted by sworn officers trained in investigative techniques.
Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA)
Selected applicants will be given a truth verification exam (CVSA). The exam will be conducted by a professional who is licensed/trained to administer and interpret the results. The examination is conducted at no cost to the candidate.
PostConditional TestingSelected applicants who have successfully completed all steps in the application process up to this point may be eligible for a conditional offer of employment. Conditional offers of employment will be made as job openings arise.
The offer of employment is conditional upon successful completion of the remaining steps in the selection process. Candidates must successfully complete each required preplacement examination or assessment before moving to the next examination or assessment. If any elements of the preplacement process are not successfully completed the offer of employment will be withdrawn by the City of Gaithersburg. PostConditional Testing consists of:
- PrePlacement Emotional Stability and Psychological Examination: Will be conducted by professionals licensed/trained in this area (conducted at no cost to the candidate).
- PrePlacement Medical Examination & Physical Fitness/Physical Agility Assessment: A more comprehensive fitness/agility test and stress test will be conducted by professionals licensed/trained in this area (conducted at no cost to the candidate). A vision test is included in the medical examination to ensure candidates meet the standards recommended for color vision acuity binocularity stereopsis (depth perception) and other vision skills. A drugscreening test is included in the medical examination and is required by the State of Maryland.
Chiefs Interview
Selected applicants will participate in a oneonone interview with the Chief of Police.
Formal Offer of EmploymentIf all tests examinations and remaining background investigation matters are completed successfully the City of Gaithersburg will provide selected candidates with a formal employment offer which will include the anticipated employment start date.
HIRING CATEGORIES
Applicants will be considered in the category for which they qualify as outlined below:
POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATE (POC):
- Entry level candidates who have no previous law enforcement experience; or
- Candidates with law enforcement experience butwho are not currently certified or have not been certified within the past 3 years as a police officer through the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) including all nonMaryland certified Police Officers.
MARYLAND CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER (PO I):
- Must be currently certified as a Police Officer through the MPCTC or hold an MPCTC certification issued within the last 3 years (you musthave an MPCTC number); and
- Must have current or previous work experience as a law enforcement officer with a Maryland law enforcement agency.
A POC is a civilian position for the purpose of earlyhiring (administrative clerical work and ridealongs) and/or entry level training at a Maryland certified law enforcement academy only. A POC is required to satisfy all academic and physical training and testing at the law enforcement academy lasting several months. Upon successful completion of the law enforcement academy and MPCTC certification a POC will be automatically promoted to the position of Police Officer I and assume the job duties of a police officer.
A Maryland Certified Police Officer is hired at the rank of Police Officer I; this position may not attend a law enforcement academy but is assigned to a minimum fourweek Field Training Program.
The Gaithersburg Police Department does not run its own academy. Candidates hired for the POC position will be sent to a local law enforcement training academy that meets all of the requirements of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission. The academy runs for approximately six to eight months; and continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the law enforcement training academy. Upon successful completion of the academy the officer is assigned to the Field Training Program with experienced officers for a minimum of 14 weeks.
The POC and Police Officer I positions have a 12month general probationary period from the date of hire and a 24month officer probationary period from the date of hire. These two probationary periods run concurrently.