Characteristics of Class

This training position requires participants to undergo classroom and field instruction in law enforcement methods and procedures.

Basic Law Enforcement Training

Formal training courses in basic law enforcement lead to certification in Basic Law Enforcement training. An officer in this class is assigned to an Entrance Level Training Class and instructed in a variety of subjects for varying lengths of time. The officer's proficiency is measured through written, oral and practical examinations and the cumulative total will normally determine the incumbent's retention as a police officer at the level immediately above Police Officer Candidate. Instructions are explicit and supervision is provided continuously.

Field Training Officer Program

Following Basic Law Enforcement Training, an officer in this class may, on a rotation shift basis, be responsible for enforcing statues, laws and regulations for which M-NCPPC is accountable. Work involves high risk and officers must be able to take appropriate action under stress. Work performance is carefully monitored (Field Training Officer Program) and is reviewed and evaluated by the officer's immediate supervisor.

Examples of Duties

Duties include the following:

• Attends assigned classes
• Prepares lessons and take examinations
• Performs related duties as required to become familiar with Park Police procedures
• Attends the Basic Entry Level Training School and completes requirements at a level acceptable to the Maryland Police Training Commission
• Performs related duties in an "instructor-student" relationship as required, including those generally associated with journeyman-level officer positions

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. citizen
• At least 21 years old
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license
• Must have demonstrated personal integrity, attention to details, emotional stability and physical fitness

Experience

No previous experience in law enforcement is required.

Education

Graduation from high school or a high school equivalency certificate recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education is required.

Examination

Candidate applicants must pass M-NCPPC's written Police Officer Candidate examination, Applicant Physical Requirement Test (APRT), and an oral interview conducted by a Police Assessment Board. A background investigation will be made on each candidate in which the candidate must meet the Commission's suitability requirements.

Medical and Physical Standards

Park Police candidates must be able to pass a medical examination based on the Commission's medical standards for Park Police. This examination is administered, prior to appointment, by a Commissioned-approved medical physician.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Required knowledge, skills and abilities include the following:

• Ability to learn the functions and procedures of the Park Police, analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine a proper course of action, apply laws, rules and regulations impartially and firmly, and speak and write clearly and effectively
• Ability to read and understand law and interpretive court decisions, utilize professional police methods in interrogation, interviewing and crowd control, and understand human behavioral patterns, police philosophy, ethics and other job-related matters
• Ability to pursue, apprehend and restrain suspects, defend oneself from physical attack, and learn and successfully pass basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications

Career Status

An employee in the Park Police Series enters on duty as a Park Police Candidate. When the employee has successfully completed Candidate Training School, served 6 months as Park Police Candidate and he/she has achieved a performance evaluation rating of at least "Good," the employee is eligible for promotion to the next rank.