CAREER FAQ'S
Below is a compiled list of our most common questions regarding deputy sheriff or correctional officer careers with us. You can search questions by selecting the magnifying glass below in the upper right corner.
If you have additional career questions, contact us at
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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 Bureau: Generally 30-60 days
Law Enforcement:
All applicants must successfully complete the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Physical Agility Test. The test is designed to evaluate the strength, endurance, and overall fitness required to safely perform the duties of a deputy sheriff.
The Physical Agility Test includes:
Sit-Ups (1 minute)
Push-Ups (1 minute)
300 Meter Run
1.5 Mile Run
Barrier Climb
Dummy Drag
Stair Climb
300-Foot Dash
Minimum standards for sit-ups, push-ups, the 300-meter run, and the 1.5-mile run are based on age and gender:
Male Applicants
Ages 20–29
30 sit-ups
22 push-ups
300m run: 66 seconds
1.5 mile run: 15:14
Ages 30–39
26 sit-ups
17 push-ups
300m run: 70 seconds
1.5 mile run: 15:56
Ages 40+
22 sit-ups
11 push-ups
300m run: 86 seconds
1.5 mile run: 16:09
Female Applicants
Ages 20–29
21 sit-ups
10 push-ups
300m run: 78 seconds
1.5 mile run: 18:39
Ages 30–39
15 sit-ups
8 push-ups
300m run: 86 seconds
1.5 mile run: 20:13
Ages 40+
10 sit-ups
6 push-ups
300m run: 110 seconds
1.5 mile run: 23:27
Applicants must pass each component of the test to continue in the hiring process.
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Corrections Bureau: 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. More details can be found here.
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.
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.
Yes. The Corrections Bureau has its own academy located in the Frederick County. Successful completion of the academy must be completed within 1 year of employment.
Law Enforcement: 12 weeks for new recruits/12 days on rotation for laterals
Corrections Bureau: 8 weeks for both laterals and new recruits.
Law Enforcement: 18 months from date of becoming sworn as a new recruit or lateral hire.
Corrections Bureau: 18 months for new recruit/12 months for a lateral hire.
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.
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.
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.
No, you do not have to reside in Frederick County.
No, you do not have to be a resident of Maryland.
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.
Law Enforcement:
Patrol deputies and supervisors work 12-hour shifts on a two-week (14-day) pay cycle.
Deputies work 7 days during each 14-day pay period and are off the remaining 7 days. This schedule provides every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) off.
One shift in each pay period is an 8-hour day.
We operate on permanent Day Shift and Midnight Shift teams. Each team follows a 6-week rotation:
4 weeks on their primary shift
2 weeks on a modified (swing) version of that shift
Day Shift Rotation:
4 weeks: 0600 – 1800
2 weeks (Modified Day Shift): 1200 – 2400
Midnight Shift Rotation:
4 weeks: 1800 – 0600
2 weeks (Modified Night Shift): 1600 – 0400
Newly sworn deputies are assigned to either the Day Shift or Midnight Shift based on agency needs. After one year of service, deputies may request to transfer to the opposite shift.
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.
Law Enforcement:
Based on the agency’s needs, newly sworn deputies will be assigned to the Dayshift or the Midnight shift.Â
Corrections:
Field Training will be for eight weeks. 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.
Yes, all applicants must complete a full background investigation to be hired by the Sheriff’s Office.
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.
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
Must be 18 years of age. High School diploma or equivalent. Must be a US Citizen. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
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 Corrections Bureau is seeking qualified candidates of all ages.
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).
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is a part of the Frederick County Government. A list of full county benefits can be found here.
Yes, Law Enforcement and Corrections Bureaus each have a specific pay scale agreed upon through collective bargaining contracts.
Law Enforcement pay scale: Click here
Corrections Bureau pay scale: Click here
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.
Entry-Level Deputy Sheriff
Starting Salary: $65,603 annually
($31.54 per hour)
Lateral Deputy Sheriff:
 Starting Salary: $72,164 annually
 ($34.69 per hour)
Current salary and pay information can be found here.
Current salary and pay information can be found here.
For all jobs within the Sheriff’s Office, honesty, integrity, commitment, demeanor and professionalism are considered, as well as criminal, drug and work history.
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 interview board.
Applicants must pass a written test with at least a 70%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frederick County Government offers education reimbursement for current employees. 75% of the cost of tuition, books, registration fees, charges per credit hour or similar charges for a regular employee who completes a pre-approved course from an accredited educational institution that improves the job-related knowledge or skills required for their current job or for a promotional opportunity to which the employee may reasonably expect to progress within Frederick County Government; or b) 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 current job or required for a promotional opportunity to which the employee may reasonably expect to progress within Frederick County Government.
More information can be found here.
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.
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 the FCSO personnel supervisor at 301-600-2833 for more specific information on MPCTC requirements.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked career questions.
Law Enforcement:
All applicants must successfully complete the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Physical Agility Test. The test is designed to evaluate the strength, endurance, and overall fitness required to safely perform the duties of a deputy sheriff.
The Physical Agility Test includes:
Sit-Ups (1 minute)
Push-Ups (1 minute)
300 Meter Run
1.5 Mile Run
Barrier Climb
Dummy Drag
Stair Climb
300-Foot Dash
Minimum standards for sit-ups, push-ups, the 300-meter run, and the 1.5-mile run are based on age and gender:
Male Applicants
Ages 20–29
30 sit-ups
22 push-ups
300m run: 66 seconds
1.5 mile run: 15:14
Ages 30–39
26 sit-ups
17 push-ups
300m run: 70 seconds
1.5 mile run: 15:56
Ages 40+
22 sit-ups
11 push-ups
300m run: 86 seconds
1.5 mile run: 16:09
Female Applicants
Ages 20–29
21 sit-ups
10 push-ups
300m run: 78 seconds
1.5 mile run: 18:39
Ages 30–39
15 sit-ups
8 push-ups
300m run: 86 seconds
1.5 mile run: 20:13
Ages 40+
10 sit-ups
6 push-ups
300m run: 110 seconds
1.5 mile run: 23:27
Applicants must pass each component of the test to continue in the hiring process.
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Corrections Bureau: 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. More details can be found here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Law Enforcement:
Patrol deputies and supervisors work 12-hour shifts on a two-week (14-day) pay cycle.
Deputies work 7 days during each 14-day pay period and are off the remaining 7 days. This schedule provides every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) off.
One shift in each pay period is an 8-hour day.
We operate on permanent Day Shift and Midnight Shift teams. Each team follows a 6-week rotation:
4 weeks on their primary shift
2 weeks on a modified (swing) version of that shift
Day Shift Rotation:
4 weeks: 0600 – 1800
2 weeks (Modified Day Shift): 1200 – 2400
Midnight Shift Rotation:
4 weeks: 1800 – 0600
2 weeks (Modified Night Shift): 1600 – 0400
Newly sworn deputies are assigned to either the Day Shift or Midnight Shift based on agency needs. After one year of service, deputies may request to transfer to the opposite shift.
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.
Law Enforcement:
Based on the agency’s needs, newly sworn deputies will be assigned to the Dayshift or the Midnight shift.Â
Corrections:
Field Training will be for eight weeks. 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.
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.
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
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 Corrections Bureau is seeking qualified candidates of all ages.
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).
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is a part of the Frederick County Government. A list of full county benefits can be found here.
Yes, Law Enforcement and Corrections Bureaus each have a specific pay scale agreed upon through collective bargaining contracts.
Law Enforcement pay scale: Click here
Corrections Bureau pay scale: Click here
Current salary and pay information can be found here.
Current salary and pay information can be found here.
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 interview board.
Applicants must pass a written test with at least a 70%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frederick County Government offers education reimbursement for current employees. 75% of the cost of tuition, books, registration fees, charges per credit hour or similar charges for a regular employee who completes a pre-approved course from an accredited educational institution that improves the job-related knowledge or skills required for their current job or for a promotional opportunity to which the employee may reasonably expect to progress within Frederick County Government; or b) 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 current job or required for a promotional opportunity to which the employee may reasonably expect to progress within Frederick County Government.
More information can be found here.
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.
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 the FCSO personnel supervisor at 301-600-2833 for more specific information on MPCTC requirements.
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.
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.