Police Academy
Program Summary
Uniformed police officers who work in municipal police departments of various sizes, small communities, and rural areas have general law enforcement duties including maintaining regular patrols and responding to calls for service. They may direct traffic at the scene of a fire, investigate a burglary, or give first aid to an accident victim. In large police departments, officers usually are assigned to a specific type of duty. Many urban police agencies are becoming more involved in community policing — a practice in which an officer builds relationships with the citizens of local neighborhoods and mobilizes the public to help fight crime.
Police agencies are usually organized into geographic districts, with uniformed officers assigned to patrol a specific area, such as part of the business district or outlying residential neighborhoods. Officers may work alone, but in large agencies they often patrol with a partner. While on patrol, officers attempt to become thoroughly familiar with their patrol area and remain alert for anything unusual. Suspicious circumstances and hazards to public safety are investigated or noted, and officers are dispatched to individual calls for assistance within their district. During their shift, they may identify, pursue, and arrest suspected criminals, resolve problems within the community, and enforce traffic laws.
Employment Trends
- Police work can be dangerous and stressful.
- Civil service regulations govern the appointment of police and detectives.
- Competition should remain keen for higher paying jobs with State and Federal agencies and police departments in affluent areas; opportunities will be better in local and special police departments that offer relatively low salaries or in urban communities where the crime rate is relatively high.
- Applicants with college training in police science or military police experience should have the best opportunities.
Become a Police Officer
The Prince George's Community College Police Academy, certified by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission, is open to qualified applicants in an 18 week full-time daytime format. Financial aid may be available for qualified applicants; the academy is approved for veterans benefits.
You will be trained in law enforcement operations and functions, including firearms training and emergency vehicle operations. Uniforms will be provided by the academy. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to be hired by most Maryland law enforcement agencies. You will also earn up to 15 credits toward an academic degree.To qualify for the 18-week Police Academy Program, candidates must meet these minimum requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old when you graduate from the academy
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED recognized by the State of Maryland
- Be of good moral character and have a police record clear of felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
- Have a driving record with no more than 3 points and no serious or repeated traffic offenses
- Pass a physical examination and a drug screening
- Authorize a complete background investigation
- Present three letters of reference
In addition, the candidate must be able to:
- Successfully complete all physical training requirements and
- Attend the full academy program in its entirety.
Tuition and Fees
A nonrefundable $150 processing fee must accompany your application and will be applied to your tuition of $2,900 if you are accepted into the Academy.
Call 301-322-0175 or 301-322-0110 for information about classes now forming and dates of upcoming orientation sessions.