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Sergeant Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Summary Join Our Team at Mercy Ridge - Now Hiring a Security Sergeant! Mercy Medical Center is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for three ...

Summary Join Our Team at Mercy Ridge - Now Hiring a Security Sergeant! Mercy Medical Center is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for three ...

Police Officer Lateral

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$65K - $104K/yr

Acts for Corporal or Sergeant in their absence as required; and Performs other related job duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency ...

Police Officer Lateral

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$65K - $104K/yr

Acts for Corporal or Sergeant in their absence as required; and Performs other related job duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sergeant information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$37.3K

$56.5K

$83.5K

How much do sergeant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for sergeant in Baltimore, MD is $56,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,200.00 and $56,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sergeant?

Sergeants are non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the military or police who serve as leaders and supervisors for lower-ranking personnel. They are responsible for enforcing discipline, training their teams, and ensuring that tasks and missions are carried out effectively. In addition to supervising daily operations, sergeants often act as a crucial link between officers and enlisted members, relaying information and instructions. Their leadership and experience are vital in maintaining unit cohesion and operational readiness.

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

To thrive as a Sergeant, you need strong leadership abilities, tactical knowledge, and prior experience as an enlisted officer, often supported by formal military training and completion of non-commissioned officer (NCO) courses. Familiarity with military communication systems, weapons handling, and operational planning software is typically required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team-building skills help a Sergeant effectively lead and motivate subordinates. These skills are vital for maintaining discipline, ensuring mission success, and safeguarding unit cohesion under challenging conditions.

What are the typical leadership challenges faced by a sergeant, and how can they be effectively managed?

Sergeants often encounter leadership challenges such as balancing the needs of their team with organizational objectives, managing interpersonal conflicts, and ensuring clear communication up and down the chain of command. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure. Building trust within the team and consistently leading by example are critical strategies for fostering a positive and effective work environment.

What is the difference between Sergeant vs Police Officer?

AspectSergeantPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training
Work EnvironmentSupervises officers, manages team operations, enforces policiesPatrols neighborhoods, responds to incidents, enforces laws
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles within police forcesBase role in policing, often searched alongside supervisory roles

The main difference between a Sergeant and a Police Officer is that a Sergeant holds a supervisory position, overseeing officers and managing team operations, while a Police Officer performs patrol and law enforcement duties. Sergeants typically have more experience and additional responsibilities, including training and discipline. Both roles are essential in law enforcement agencies and share similar training backgrounds, but the Sergeant's role emphasizes leadership and management.

Do sergeants make a lot of money?

Sergeants typically earn a moderate to high salary depending on the industry and location. In law enforcement and military roles, they often have higher pay scales and additional benefits such as overtime and retirement plans. Salary levels can vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific organization.

What work does a sergeant do?

A sergeant is a supervisory law enforcement officer responsible for managing a team of officers, enforcing laws, and maintaining order. They often oversee daily operations, conduct investigations, and ensure department policies are followed, typically requiring leadership skills and relevant training or certification.
Infographic showing various Sergeant job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,518 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

JHPD Police Sergeant

Baltimore, MD • On-site


Johns Hopkins University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

JOHNS HOPKINS POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE SERGEANT - LATERAL (Maryland and Non-Maryland Law Enforcement Officers)
THIS JOB POSTING IS FOR CURRENT, RETIRED, OR PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS ONLY.
Mission:
The Johns Hopkins Police Department is committed to the equitable delivery of police services that prioritizes the well-being of our students, staff, faculty and guests. We build trust by engaging our community and partners as co-creators of the campus safety environment.
We employ knowledgeable, service-focused professionals who embrace diversity and recognize that safety is a community effort.
Johns Hopkins University Police Department is seeking highly motivated individuals to serve as Police Sergeants. We are accepting applications for lateral police candidates who meet the experience qualifications as a certified law enforcement officer in a full-service law enforcement agency (Maryland or Out-of-State). Applicants must be Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) Certified OR meet Comparative Compliance Standards.
Police Sergeants work in a team environment with integrity, professionalism, humanity and courage to protect the lives and property of the Johns Hopkins community. Johns Hopkins Police Sergeants regularly engage with students, faculty, staff and visitors in a variety of ways in order to provide services and information needed. Johns Hopkins Police Sergeants provide campus police services to the Homewood Campus, East Baltimore Campus and Peabody Campus where officers will be assigned to work. They will ensure JHPD is a leader in the provision of responsive, quality and customer service-oriented policing.
The Johns Hopkins Police Sergeant will lead through the lens of 21st century policing and ensures officers perform their duties in a manner that furthers public trust. Work will be supervised on a daily basis by a Lieutenant.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
  • Represents the JHPD's mission, vision and values when interacting with university, community, advocacy groups, and coordinates JHPD resources and activities via direction from their supervision to address concerns about university and community issues.
  • Represents the JHPD leadership team when interacting with university, community, advocacy groups, and coordinates JHPD resources and activities under their supervision to address concerns about community issues.
  • Provides the full level of law enforcement work, enforcing laws, rules and regulations governing the safety and protection of individuals, building and property. Performs simple and complex problem-solving projects designed to enhance safety and prevent or reduce harm.
  • Provides direct support for the allocation and direction of resources (staffing, vehicles, equipment and supplies) to meet the needs of the JHPD and is responsible for management of operational and overtime expenditures to ensure that funds utilized are used appropriately and within the mission of the JHPD.
  • Provides supervision of day-to-day operations of a patrol area, which includes direct supervision and performance management of police officers assigned to a patrol area. Holds police officers accountable for executing proactive and community policing initiatives, as well as crime initiatives strategies. Looks for opportunities to actively engage in community policing and models such for officers.
  • Ensures priorities and community policing strategies for the patrol area are properly managed, holds police officers responsible for completing initiatives, and manages performance of all officers in the assigned patrol area. Will perform patrol functions regularly for training purposes and as needed.
  • Ensures priorities and community policing strategies for the patrol area are properly implemented. Patrols designated areas by vehicle, bicycle and foot to identify and report safety hazards, detect prioritized violations of laws and ordinances, and identify wanted vehicles, persons, and unusual conditions. Maintains a visible presence to serve as a positive resource and actively develop relationships with community stakeholders to successfully implement initiatives to deter crime.
  • Ensures police officers regularly use procedural justice principles, de-escalate situations as necessary, and are engaged in community policing and problem-solving activities.
  • Coaches subordinates about performance issues, and trains subordinates in the handling of general management problems, monitors subordinates' professional behavior to proactively address potential issues, and recommends corrective action to address performance problems.
  • Supervises special assignments and details as required.
  • Coordinates and cooperates with Campus Safety and Security Command Staff in the preliminary and follow-up investigations of complaints, reported criminal offenses, and disruptions.
  • Communicates and continually supports effective relationships with the faculty, staff, students, public, other law enforcement agencies, and public officials.
  • Participates as instructed in specialized unit activities such as crime prevention, recertification instruction, criminal investigations, or special events.
  • Responds to calls for assistance and emergency service and takes appropriate action; de-escalates situations as reasonable and appropriate; engages other necessary levels of response to ensure safety of community.
  • Conducts the investigation of incidents reported on the shift.
  • Coordinates preliminary investigative activities at a crime scene or significant or unusual event until the arrival of an investigative entity.
  • Interacts with university community and establishes a rapport with the surrounding communities.
  • Directs traffic and assists with crowd control.
  • Provides the public with safety information and conducts community related public safety programs.
  • Inspects and maintains assigned equipment and clothing. Operates and utilizes various types of law enforcement equipment such as self-defense tools.
  • Performs or assists in collection and preservation of evidence.
  • Conducts or assists with serving warrants and summonses.
  • Prepares or assists with cases for court, including testifying in court when necessary.
  • Collaborates with local and state law enforcement agencies when needed.
  • Performs office duties such as answering telephones, dispatching, issuance of parking permits and providing general information.
  • Maintains visitor logs.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • A minimum of five (5) years of total service as a commissioned law enforcement officer.
  • A minimum of two (2) years of service in the rank of Sergeant or similar level of supervisory experience.
  • Distinguished service record, including excellent performance rating and no serious or repeated disciplinary actions or citizen complaints.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.

Comparative Compliance Standards: (for out-of-state applicants):
  • Minimum of 750 hours of acceptable entrance-level police academy training (not including firearms, field training, or in-service training) to meet COMAR and MPCTC requirements.
  • Must currently be in good standing with a full-service law enforcement agency or have retired in good standing within 2 years of application.
  • Comparative Compliance applicants must provide the academy curriculum that was completed with the total number of hours and provide a graduation certificate including successful completion of the academy.

Conditions of Employment: Satisfactory completion of a Maryland Police Training Commission recognized or approved Police Academy Training program and successful completion of a Police Field Training program. Employees in this job class may be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Employees in this job classification will serve a one-year probationary period after successful completion of the Maryland Police Training Standards Commission (MPTSC) training academy, field training and all other requirements as defined by MPTSC for certification and/or recertification as MARYLAND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
OTHER: Certification as a sworn Police Officer recognized by the Maryland Police Training Commission or other state through the Comparative Compliance Training for lateral candidates. This is an abbreviated entrance level program designed for previously certified Maryland police officers who have been separated from law enforcement between 3 and 5 years, and non-Maryland state officers who completed an acceptable entrance level academy in another state or through the federal government as approved by the Maryland Police Training Commission.
OTHER: Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.
Requirements:
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent legal resident of the United States who: (i) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces; and (ii) Has submitted an application for United States citizenship that is pending approval; and (2) Submit documents to the hiring law enforcement agency that support a claim of: (a) Citizenship; or (b) Permanent legal residency and proof of a pending application for United States citizenship.

**Applicant must provide official proof of separation from the military in good standing with an honorable discharge prior to being extended a conditional offer of employment.
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony.
  • Must demonstrate physical ability to perform job.
  • Must possess and maintain a Valid Driver's License.
  • Must have current MPTC certification.
  • Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills.

* Finalists will be required to complete a comprehensive background check, including medical exam, drug test, polygraph, and psychological evaluation
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to effectively direct, manage and build teams.
  • Ability to efficiently organize work and to quickly prioritize quickly; confidently manage multiple deadlines.
  • Knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and methods.
  • Knowledge of related federal, state and municipal criminal laws.
  • Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members. of the college community including students, faculty, staff, and administrators in a multicultural environment and the surrounding communities.
  • Ability to operate a police car, police radio and other equipment or weapons as required (i.e. side handle baton, handcuffs, first aid equipment, etc.)
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to quickly analyze complex, sensitive and/or hazardous situations and issues and quickly devise solutions and action plans.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
  • Ability to function with a community-oriented value-based philosophy.
  • Knowledge of procedural justice principles, de-escalation techniques, and community policing and problem-solving practices.
  • Knowledge of the principles and methods of crime investigation, techniques of interrogation, and identification and preservation of physical evidence.
  • Knowledge of the laws and protocols of arrest and evidence.
  • Knowledge of the principles and methods of crime prevention.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of crowd control and group behavior.
  • Knowledge of police communications equipment.
  • Skill in working in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Skill in the use of police equipment.

Work Environment:
This position regularly works both indoors and outdoors. The position may also work under exposure to hazardous physical activities; works in all types of weather conditions and at all times of day; and interacts with individuals under physical and/or emotional stress. Duties may require the operation of a motor vehicle. The position may be subject to call-in during emergencies and staffing shortages and may work a rotating shift, holidays and weekends. The work environment is highly diverse and demands a high level of cultural competence in interpersonal communications and interactions.
Physical Demands:
Duties require physical health, strength, agility and stamina. The work may entail sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, crawling, kneeling, climbing and lifting and transporting both objects and persons. Work requires eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, near vision acuity, and the ability to see and read printed material and computer screens. Duties involve oral, written, electronic and telephonic communication.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION INCENTIVES
CERTIFICATION INCENTVE: $15,000 INCREASE TO BASE SALARY FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF MARYLAND POLICE TRANING STANDARDS (MPTSC) TRAINING, FIELD TRAINING AND ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS DEFINED BY MPTSC FOR RECERTIFICATION OF CURRENT MARLAND LAW ENFORCMENT CERTIFICATION.
CITY RESIDENCY: 20% INCREASE OVER BASE SALARY FOR BALTIMORE CITY RESIDENTS.
ANNUAL STEP INCREASES.
Working Title: JHPD Lateral Police Sergeant
Starting Salary: $116,022
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Shift -Work - 12-hour shifts
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: JHU Homewood, Peabody and East Baltimore
Department name: 10001513-VP for Public Safety Office of
Personnel area: University Administration
Please be aware that our employment offer is contingent upon the successful completion of our pre-employment process, including criminal background, education, employment, and reference checks.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876


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