All applicants to the department MUST:
- Be at least 18 years old (16 with parental consent)
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (Junior members under 18 must maintain a “C” average in all classes and provide report cards quarterly)
- Be able to pass the County physical *
- Be able to pass Federal and State background investigations
- Be willing and able to complete over 160 hours of classroom and online training (and have transportation to get to the training facilities in Rockville and College Park) *
- Be willing to commit at least two years or more to volunteering, due to the lengthy training period
* Associate and Auxiliary members will not need to complete the physical or training courses