Requirements , Prior Substance Abuse by Applicants for Certification and Physical Testing (PT) Standards

Minimum qualifications to apply:

  1. Either:
    • U.S. Citizen, or
    • A permanent legal resident who is an honorably discharged veteran and has submitted an application for U.S. citizenship that is pending approval.
  1. High school diploma or certificate of GED recognized by the Maryland Board of Education.
  2. A valid driver’s license from any state.
  3. 21 years of age (or reach age 21 by or soon after the police academy graduation date).
  4. Eyesight correctable to at least 20/30 in each eye.
  5. Eligible under federal and Maryland law to possess and use a handgun.

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All applicants are required to meet the selection requirements of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) and Hagerstown Police Department. The selection process includes a thorough background investigation mandated by Maryland law. Part of that background investigation includes a close examination of the potential applicant's prior substance abuse. 

An individual is ineligible for initial certification as a police officer in Maryland if the individual has:

  1. Been convicted or otherwise found guilty of selling, manufacturing, or distributing a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana;
  2. Ever illegally sold, produced, cultivated, distributed, or transported a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana;
  3. Illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug (other than marijuana) for any purpose within the 36 months before application for certification;
  4. Ever used heroin, phencyclidine (PCP), or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD);
  5. Ever illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana while employed to enforce federal, State, or local law by any government entity, or
  6. Illegally engaged in the use of marijuana for any purpose within the 12 months preceding the date of application for certification.
  7. Other than marijuana, illegally used any controlled dangerous substance or narcotic drug, or any combination of controlled dangerous substances or narcotic drugs a total of five or more times, or one time since becoming 21 years old.

The entire regulation governing the hiring and certification of police officers can be found here:  PTSC - General Regulations


All applicants must pass a Physical Qualification Test (PQT).  Click on the link to see the test.  
Physical Qualification Test

How to Prepare for the PQT

If you have any questions about any of the above requirements, contact the HPD Accreditation and Recruitment Administrator at 301-739-8577, ext. 305. 

THE CITY OF  HAGERSTOWN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry or national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.