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BODY-WORN CAMERAS UNIT

Program Overview

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Beginning in January 2022, The Frederick County Sheriff’s began a trial period of body-worn cameras (BWC) through the deployment of 15 BWCs that rotated through deputies assigned to various sections in the agency. The purpose of the trial was to determine which camera system worked best for the agency regarding the device overall, software, and related cost analysis. Based on analysis and conclusions made during the trial period, the agency chose, Axon Enterprise, Inc. as the vendor for body-worn cameras. 


Immediately following the decision to procure the body-worn cameras from Axon, the newly implemented Body-Worn Camera Unit began establishing policies for the deputy's use of BWCs, training in the use of BWC, storage of BWC data, the release of BWC footage, and ensuring that the agency met constitutional and other legal requirements in accordance with state and local laws.  


In late February 2023, the deployment of Axon’s Body3 BWCs began throughout patrol operations. By the end of April 2023, all sworn deputies at the rank of Captain and below have been issued a body-worn camera. The implementation of BWCs further expands the agency’s commitment to accountability and transparency to the citizens of Frederick County.      

    
With the creation of the body-worn camera program, the public may find themselves with questions that surround body-worn cameras. To help answer some of those questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section of this page. Should you have additional questions or suggestions related to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Body-Worn Camera Program you may direct them to FCSOBWC@frederickcountymd.gov. 

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Click this link for the-
Agency BWC General Order 1.6
Click this link for the-
YouTube Video on
FCSO Body Cameras
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does it take to get hired as a deputy sheriff or correctional officer?
    Law Enforcement Bureau: From the time a person applies to become a deputy sheriff it takes approximately 2-to-4 months to get hired. Corrections: Generally between 2-to-4 months.
  • What are the physical requirements to be hired as a deputy sheriff or correctional officer?
    Law Enforcement: Physical agility testing takes about an hour and includes the following; 28 sit-ups in one minute, 24 push-ups in one minute, 300 meter dash in 70.1 seconds and 1.5 mile run in 15:55 seconds. Applicants must pass all components to move forward in the hiring process. Candidates who pass physical agility testing will be given a conditional offer of employment and be invited to participate in the next step, which is an interview. Corrections: You must be able to complete a 300 meter dash in 90 seconds, 15 push-ups in a minute, and 15 sit-ups in a minute.
  • What police academy will I attend and how long is it?
    Typically, a police academy is 6-7 months long. We use the Howard County Police, Washington County, and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office police academies. The dates they begin and the number of student spots we are able to obtain determine when the recruits are hired.
  • Do I have to live at the academy?
    No. Recruits attend the academy during the week and are off on the weekends. The sheriff’s office partners with several different academies in the local area.
  • Do I have to attend an academy to be a correctional officer?
    Yes. The Corrections Bureau has its own academy located in the Frederick County Public Safety Training Facility. Successful completion of the academy must be completed within 1 year of employment.
  • How long is your Field Training Program?
    Law Enforcement: 12 weeks for new recruits/12 days on rotation for laterals Corrections: 3 weeks
  • How long do I have to be on probation?
    Law Enforcement: 18 months from date of becoming sworn as a new recruit or lateral hire. Corrections: 18 months for new recruit/12 months for a lateral hire.
  • When am I eligible for promotion?
    Law Enforcement: Newly-sworn deputies will receive an automatic promotion to Deputy First Class (DFC) after 30 months of consecutive, satisfactory employment calculated from the date of hire. After that, a deputy must have one year time in-grade to be eligible for the next rank. Corrections: After successfully completing your 18 months’ probation you will be promoted to Correctional Officer First Class (CFC). After that, you must have 12 months at your current rank before you can test for promotion to the next rank. For lateral hires, after completing 12 months probation, you will be promoted to CFC. After that, a correctional officer must have one year time in-grade to be eligible for the next rank.
  • What is your drug policy?
    Our specific drug policy is not posted publicly for a number of reasons. Generally speaking, the applicant’s age, type of drug, number of uses, and the length of time that has passed since last usage is all considered in determining suitability for all positions in the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. Any specific questions, call the respective representative listed at the top of this page.
  • What is your tattoo policy?
    Tattoos on the face, neck, head or hands (excluding a single-band ring tattoo/brand on the left ring finger), are prohibited. Tattoos elsewhere on the body are authorized, however they are not to be extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist as defined by policy and societal norms. Intentional dental ornamentation, body mutilation, art, piercings, branding, or intentional scarring that would be visible to the general public while representing the office in any capacity, is prohibited.
  • Do I have to live in the county to be employed with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office?
    No, you do not have to reside in Frederick County.
  • Do I have to be a resident of Maryland to become a Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputy or correctional officer?
    No, you do not have to be a resident of Maryland.
  • What is your take home car policy?
    All sworn deputies will be issued a vehicle. Only deputies residing within Frederick County or 15 air miles from the county line (within Maryland) will be able to take their vehicle home. Deputies living more than 15 air miles from the Frederick County line or out of state will be able to park their vehicle at the LEC or at an approved, off-site secure facility. Correctional Officers do not get take home vehicles.
  • What is the Patrol/Corrections schedule rotation, hours, and are the shifts permanent?
    Law Enforcement: Patrol deputies and supervisors shall work a basic 2on-2off, 3on-2off, 2on-3off schedule, eleven and one half (11.5) hour shifts, except Wednesdays, which are eleven (11.0) hours. Patrol Deputies rotate bi-weekly Day, Evening, and Midnight Shifts. Patrol Deputies work 7 days in a 14 day pay period and have off every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Day shift is 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Evening shift is 3 p.m. - 2:30 a.m., and Night Shift is 7 p.m. - 6:30 a.m. Corrections: Twelve hour shifts, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., Correctional Officers First Class and Corporals may submit a shift preference. Submitting a shift preference does not guarantee you will be assigned to the shift you requested.
  • Can I start on day work or can I pick my shift?
    Law Enforcement: Newly sworn deputies will be assigned directly to a particular patrol team and Field Training Officer to begin 12 weeks of field-training. This shift may be days, evenings or midnights, and will rotate accordingly. Corrections: Field Training will be for three weeks and will be primarily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (though there will be several evening shifts during that time). After Field Training, a Security Commander will determine which shift you will be assigned during your probationary period. After you have completed your probation, you may submit a shift preference. Shift assignments are reviewed every six months, and submitting a shift preference does not guarantee you will be assigned to the shift you requested.
  • I have a military clearance. Do I need a full background check?
    Yes, all applicants must complete a full background investigation to be hired by the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Does Frederick County Government provide any benefits for current or prior military experience?
    Frederick County Government allows up to 5 years of military service to be applied towards the 25-year retirement for law enforcement and corrections. Currently, this benefit must be officially requested after the 10-year service mark. Those who retired from the military are NOT eligible for this incentive. Corrections: If a high volume of applicants apply and we need to separate testing dates, then preference can/will be given to former/active military personnel. There is a specific question on the application for applicants to list military experience for this purpose.
  • What are the qualifications for deputy sheriff?
    You must be 21 years of age upon completion of an academy You must be a U.S. citizen You must be a high school graduate or the equivalent You must be eligible for certification by the Maryland Police Training Commission (MPTC) and able to become certified within 1 year of hire - OR - eligible for comparative compliance* (conversion of prior police service to MPTC Standards) You must possess a valid automobile operator's license with the ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County employee driving permit
  • What are the qualifications for correctional officer?
    Must be 18 years of age. High School diploma or equivalent. Must be a US Citizen. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Is there an age limit to apply and become a deputy Sheriff or correctional officer?
    For a deputy Sheriff, you must be a minimum of 21 years of age upon completion of an academy, but there is no maximum age of who can apply. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is seeking qualified candidates of all ages. For a corrections officer, you must be a minimum of 18 years of age, but there is no maximum age of who can apply. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center is seeking qualified candidates of all ages.
  • If I’m hired as a deputy, how long before I can go into a specialized unit?
    Generally, a deputy needs to be off probation (30 months from hire) to be selected for a specialized unit. However, rare exceptions can be made if the deputy has similar specialized training and experience from another police agency prior to becoming a deputy (i.e specialized military tactical training related to the SWAT Team or other specialty).
  • What is the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office benefit package?
    The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is a part of the Frederick County Government. A list of full county benefits can be found here.
  • Does the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office have a pay scale?
    Yes, Law Enforcement and Corrections Bureaus each have a specific pay scale agreed upon through collective bargaining contracts. The current ones are available on our careers page.
  • How many years do I have to work until I can retire?
    The Frederick County Sheriff's Office offers deputies and correctional officers a 25-year retirement. Up to 5 years military time may be awarded toward retirement if you did not retire from the military.
  • What is the starting salary for a deputy sheriff recruit?
    $53,990
  • What is the starting salary for a deputy sheriff lateral (individuals who are already certified police officers)?
    $59,389 - is the definitive starting salary for all laterals.
  • What is the starting salary for a correctional officer recruit?
    $46,255
  • What is the starting salary for a correctional officer lateral (individuals who are already certified correctional officers)?
    $50,880
  • What things do you consider when hiring?
    For all jobs within the Sheriff’s Office, honesty, integrity, commitment, demeanor and professionalism are considered, as well as criminal, drug and work history.
  • What are the steps in the application process?
    Law Enforcement: Applicants must pass a written exam with at least a 70%. Applicants must pass a physical agility test. Applicants must participate in a command interview. Applicants must pass a polygraph. Applicants must pass a background investigation. Applicants must pass a psychological test and medical exam. Applicants who pass all components will be considered eligible for employment, but it is not a guarantee of employment. Corrections: Applicants must pass a physical agility test. Applicants must pass an oral interview board. Applicants must pass a written test with at least a 70%. Applicants must pass an executive interview board. Applicants must pass a background investigation. Applicants must pass a polygraph. Applicants must pass a psychological test and medical exam. Applicants who pass all components will be considered eligible for employment, but it is not a guarantee of employment.
  • How can I be notified when the next hiring process opens for deputy sheriff or correctional officer?
    Frederick County Division of Human Resources uses an online hiring system called NEOGOV which works in conjunction with GovernmentJobs.com. Go here and click on the current job opportunities link that will provide you access to the County’s Career Pages site. On the left-side of the Career Pages site you will find a drop-down Menu option. This provides options to review current job openings and to submit a Job Interest Card, which will alert you by email when a job is posted.
  • Can I reapply again if I am eliminated during any part of the hiring process?
    Law Enforcement: Applicants are eligible to reapply if they were not permanently disqualified from previous processes. If the previous disqualification required a time limit to be met before reapplication, then the applicant would need to wait until that time limit passes. Corrections: If an applicant fails an agility test, oral board interview, written exam or Executive Board Interview, the applicant may reapply immediately or the next time the posting is open. If the applicant fails part of the background investigation but is not permanently disqualified, they must wait 12 months before they can reapply.
  • What does the polygraph and psychological exam include?
    Polygraph: Pretest interview, drug and criminal series examination, post test interview (if needed). Psychological: This test is performed over two separate days. Day 1 is the written questionnaire, and Day 2 is a review of the questionnaire and a full exam by a licensed professional. These steps are required by Maryland Law and must be successfully completed to be hired.
  • Do you offer college reimbursement?
    Frederick County Government offers education reimbursement for current employees up to 75% of the cost of tuition, books and registration fees of courses that improve the job-related knowledge or skills required for their current job or promotion. Or, 50% of the aforementioned costs for non job-related courses that are required as part of a degree program, certificate or professional/technical accreditation program related to their job or promotional opportunity. Reimbursement is limited to a maximum benefit of $3,000 per fiscal year.
  • Is there a hiring contract?
    Yes, there is a hiring contract for deputy sheriff and correctional officer positions. It is a 3-year contract that is prorated over a three-year period beginning from date of hire. Additionally, correctional officers wanting to become a sworn deputy must be satisfactorily employed at least three years as a correctional officer prior to applying for a deputy sheriff position.
  • I have a current police certification from another state and want to be a deputy.  How does that work?
    Individuals with police certifications outside of Maryland must meet Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) standards to be hired as a police officer. These applicants will be required to furnish their out-of-state training records to us during the background process so they can be forwarded to MPCTC for review. MPCTC will determine if the applicant’s prior training will be accepted, or if the applicant will need to attend a full police academy or just a four-week Comparative Compliance (conversion) class. Contact Ms. Jillian Hershberger at 301-600-2833 for more specific information on MPCTC requirements.
  • I have a current police certification from the State of Maryland and want to be a deputy.  How does that work?
    Applicants with current Maryland police certification approved by MPCTC can start immediately after the background is completed. In general, there is a two week in-house training program, followed by an approximate four week field training for any lateral who is already certified by MPCTC, prior to going on patrol on their own.
  • I have prior law enforcement/corrections and want to lateral over. Do I need to go through the full hiring process, field training and probationary period?
    Law Enforcement: Yes, unless you have a current police certification approved by MPCTC. If so, then the written test will be waived, the Field Training Period may be shorter (depending on the level of proficiency), and the deputy would receive an automatic promotion to Deputy First Class at the conclusion of a successful 18-month probationary period. (Rather than 30 months for other deputies). Corrections: No to the hiring process, except the full background investigation and the Executive Board Interview. Yes to the field training and probationary periods.
  • Can you transfer years of service from another law enforcement agency?
    For Law Enforcement and Corrections, it depends on the type of retirement system used by the previous employer. Contact the Frederick County Government Division of Human Resources Bob Goff at rgoff@frederickcountymd.gov or by phone at 301-600-1625 for more information.
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