Job Description

The Cumberland Police Department is currently accepting applications for both entry level police officers as well as lateral candidates with police certification in Maryland as well as other states. Candidates with out-of-state police certification will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for eligibility for certification in Maryland.

The Cumberland Police Department is an accredited law enforcement agency who holds great pride in their professionalism and work ethic. Besides a patrol force, the department hosts several specialized positions such as detectives, school resource officers, canine officers, bike patrol, motorcycle patrol, tactical team, crisis negotiators, crash reconstructionist, among other assignments. Officers with the Cumberland Police Department enjoy working in a city that offers a variety of law enforcement experiences.


Minimum requirements for the position of police officer are that the candidate must be at least 21 years of age, possess a high school diploma, have a valid driver's license, be in good physical condition, and be able to pass a police service background investigation.

The starting salary for entry level police officers is $51,563 annually. (effective July 1, 2025)

Lateral and comparative compliance candidates would receive a higher salary commensurate with experience (Patrol Officer pay scale is ($51,563.20 to $65,977.60 effective July 1, 2025)

Police Officer benefits include paid vacation, holiday time, paid sick leave, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, Maryland Law Enforcement Officer Pension System, optional supplemental retirement fund programs, and a take-home-vehicle program for officers who qualify.

Newly hired officers, after successfully completing the police academy, and out-of-state, currently certified lateral officer applicants who successfully complete a comparative compliance academy will receive an additional $2,000 signing bonus. In addition, those who are veterans are eligible for an additional $2,000 and those who hold a bachelor's degree are eligible for an additional $2,000 for a total possible signing bonus of $6,000 upon achieving Maryland certification.

Newly hired police officers who were not previously employed by the Cumberland Police Department and are currently certified as a Maryland Police Officer will be eligible to receive a $15,000.00 bonus;

• $5,000.00 payable upon hiring
• $5,000.00 payable after completion of 1 year of employment
• $5,000.00 payable after completing 3 years of employment

Candidates interested in participating in the testing process can pick up an employment application at City Hall, located at 57 N. Liberty Street, Cumberland, MD. The completed employment application must be returned to City Hall. The next test will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the Allegany College of Maryland Gymnasium located at 12401 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, Maryland. For questions you may also contact Lieutenant Alex Menges at 301-759-6500, any CPD officer, or e-mail recruiter@cumberlandmd.gov. The Cumberland Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.

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