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County Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is looking for individuals to join our team to provide law enforcement and public safety services to the community in Fairfax County. About the Department ...

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$71K - $129K/yr

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is looking for individuals to join our team to provide law enforcement and public safety services to the community in Fairfax County. About the Department ...

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is looking for individuals to join our team to provide law enforcement and public safety services to the community in Fairfax County. About the Department ...

Police Intern

Saint Louis, MO

$14 - $18.75/hr

Louis County Police Department's Internship Program is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire law enforcement process for full-time college students in junior or senior status.

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$84K

How much do county police jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for county police in the United States is $60,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do county cops do?

County police officers enforce laws, respond to emergencies, conduct patrols, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety within their jurisdiction. They may also perform traffic stops, serve warrants, and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies. Officers typically require training at a police academy and must hold relevant certifications.

What are some common challenges county police officers face when working with diverse communities?

County police officers often serve areas with a variety of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Building trust and effective communication with residents who may have different perspectives or past experiences with law enforcement can be challenging. Officers typically undergo cultural competency training and collaborate with community leaders to bridge gaps and ensure fair, respectful service. By fostering open dialogue and community involvement, county police can better address local concerns and promote public safety.

What is the difference between County Police vs Sheriff Deputy?

AspectCounty PoliceSheriff Deputy
CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy certificationHigh school diploma, police academy certification
Work EnvironmentUrban and suburban areas within city limitsCountywide, including rural areas and unincorporated communities
EmployerMunicipal or county police departmentsCounty sheriff's office
Primary DutiesEnforce laws within city limits, traffic control, patrolEnforce laws countywide, serve warrants, operate county jails

While both County Police and Sheriff Deputies enforce laws and maintain public safety, County Police typically operate within city limits focusing on urban areas, whereas Sheriff Deputies serve broader county regions, including rural areas, and often manage county jails and serve warrants. Their roles complement each other but differ in jurisdiction and specific responsibilities.

What are county police?

County police are law enforcement officers who serve at the county level, typically responsible for policing unincorporated areas and sometimes incorporated towns within a county. They enforce local and state laws, investigate crimes, maintain public order, and provide a variety of community services. Unlike sheriffs, who are usually elected and may have additional responsibilities like running county jails, county police officers are generally part of a department led by an appointed chief. Their duties can vary depending on the size and needs of the county.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a County Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, criminal law, and community policing, typically supported by completion of police academy training and state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, computer-aided dispatch systems, and report-writing software is essential. Strong communication, critical thinking, and conflict-resolution skills help officers interact effectively with the public and handle high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining public safety, building community trust, and ensuring legal and ethical standards are upheld.
What cities are hiring for County Police jobs? Cities with the most County Police job openings:
What states have the most County Police jobs? States with the most job openings for County Police jobs include:
Infographic showing various County Police job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,629 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Lateral Police Officer

$70K - $128K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL TESTING FOR POLICE OFFICER LATERAL. Starting Salary: $70,200+ $10,000 hiring bonus Excellent benefits Include: Up to $5,000 out-of-state relocation bonus The Howard County Police Department is an nationally accredited agency of more than 450 sworn officers serving a diverse community between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore

To be considered for employment, applicants must meet the following standards: Have completed probation with a full-service law enforcement police agency by hire date Possess a valid driver's license Possession of a High School diploma or GED (high school equivalency certificate) acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission regulation. Possess a current Maryland Police Training Commission (MPTC) certificate -or- satisfy comparative compliance standards Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions Be a U.S. Citizen Comparative Compliance Standards include: - minimum of 750 hours of academy training (not including firearms, field training, or in-service training) to meet COMAR and MPCTC requirements - records and documentation proving academy verification, graduation, and successful completing of a police academy - must currently be in good-standing with agency or have retired in good-standing within 2 years of application All applications must be submitted at policeapp.com/HowardCountyMD

Prior to and on Testing Day: You must complete an application prior to testing day at policeapp.com/HowardCountyMD. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to complete your Personal History Questionnaire. Applications are good for six months

If you previously applied within the last six months, you are not eligible to re-apply until six months from that date. Contact recruitment@howardcountymd.gov with questions. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): After your initial application has been approved, you will receive instructions to complete your PHQ via a unique e-mail link

You will have ten days to complete and submit the PHQ electronically. It is critical that you are thorough and honest when completing this booklet, as all the information you provide will be verified during your polygraph exam and background investigation. Written Exam and Physical Agility Test: Testing will be conducted at the James N.

Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Dr., Marriottsville, MD 21104 on the following dates and times. Doors open one hour prior to testing. NO ONE will be permitted to enter beyond the start time

In case of inclement weather, call 410-313-3200. HIRING PROCESS Testing Dates: Contact recruitment@howardcountymd.gov Written Test: The written test is scheduled and offered on an ongoing basis. You will have two hours to complete the written test

Passing written test scores are valid for six months or until the next academy is selected. If you do not pass the written test, you will be ineligible to re-test for six months. Physical Agility Test: You must first pass the written test before you are eligible to take the physical agility test.

It is required that you bring the completed HCPD Physician's Authorization Form with you in order to complete the physical agility test. The physical agility test is comprised of three physical tests: sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Standards for each test are based on your age and gender, which are detailed on the Physician's Authorization Form

You are eligible to take the physical agility test as many times as it is offered within six months following your successful passage of the written test. Oral Interview: Upon successful completion of the physical agility test, you will participate in a panel interview. The oral interview is conducted by three Howard County Police employees.

A series of questions will be asked of you concerning your experiences, abilities, and job awareness. Polygraph Exam: Upon successful completion of the oral interview, you will be scheduled for a polygraph exam. You will receive an information sheet concerning the polygraph exam explaining the polygraph equipment and exam procedures.

The examiner will review all test questions with you prior to the test administration. You can expect the polygraph exam to last approximately three hours with a certified Polygraph Examiner. Background Investigation: If you are endorsed following the polygraph examination, your case file will be assigned to a Background Investigator.

The investigator will make contact with you and will conduct various records checks, verify education and work history, and contact all of your listed references: family members, neighbors, and employers. This portion of the process takes an average of 4-6 weeks. Psychological Exam: If you are endorsed following the background investigation, you will be scheduled for a psychological exam.

A trained and certified psychologist conducts the exam. Pre-employment Medical Evaluation (this step follows a conditional offer of employment): This exam is to evaluate medical abilities in order to safely perform the duties of a police officer. Excellent benefits Include: Health, dental and life insurance Vacation, disability and personal leave Uniform/equipment supplied with free dry cleaning service Take home vehicle for in-county residents Twelve-hour permanent patrol shifts with 6% night shift differential pay Day shift cycle: 2 on, 3 off; 2 on, 2 off; 3 on, 2 off Night shift cycle: 3 on, 3 off 6%-night shift differential pay Four hours overtime XL per pay period (up to $4,495 annually) Three hours minimum overtime for off-duty court appearances Multi-lingual specialty pay (up to $3,000 annually upon certification) Specialty pay to officers assigned to Command Post, Computer Operations Section, Criminal Investigations Bureau, Drug Recognition Experts, Education and Training Division, Hostage Negotiation, Honor Guard, Intoximeter Operators, and Special Operations Bureau Competitive retirement plan (20 years at 50%, 25 years at 75%, 30 years at 80%) For more information, visit WWW.HCPD.ORG or call 410-313-HCPD

HCPD is an CALEA accredited and EEO Agency. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.

No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks. At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application.

Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/)

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.