Police Officer

About the role

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. The USCP protects and secures Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.

What you will do

• Enforces Federal and District of Columbia laws and regulations, and enforces USCP rules and regulations relating to law enforcement.
• Physically protects the U.S. Capitol complex (buildings and grounds), Members of Congress, visitors, and staff from threats of crime and disruption; preserves law and order; and serves as a deterrent to crime and other violations of laws, rules, and regulations.
• Takes charge of accidents and crime scenes, restricting access to crime scenes; observes, stops, and questions suspicious persons.
• Prepares reports and testifies in court.
• Performs protective services, safeguards Federally-owned buildings and property, and protects government equipment and property.
• Upon successfully completing training and a probationary period, time-in-grade requirements and all experience requirements, future competitive promotions are available to advance to other duties-a higher rank or an officer assignment within a specialized area.
• USCP specialized areas include, e.g., Special Operations Division, Canine Section, Containment Emergency Response Division, Dignitary Protection Division, Intelligence Analysis Division, Intelligence Operations Division, Criminal Investigations Section, Threat Assessment Section, and Hazardous Incident Response Division.

Requirements

• Your completed application and required documents must be submitted by the closing date of this vacancy announcement to receive further consideration.
• Your online application and answers to the attached assessment questionnaire will be reviewed and evaluated.
• As a result of this initial review, qualified applicants will be required to submit additional biographical information and supporting documents.
• A list of these documents will be provided to you during the selection process.
• Further Evaluation of Qualified Candidates Pre-Employment Screening Candidates will be required to submit an Authorization for Release form and additional information via a Personal History Statement (PHS).
• The information provided, along with a review of a candidate's credit, criminal history, and their driving record, will be reviewed.
• ESOPH is an automated system used by investigators to efficiently manage background investigations.
• Candidates will receive an e-mail from ESOPH, where they will be instructed to provide their Personal History Statement (PHS).
• Initial Assessment Phase Following the pre-employment screening, candidates may be invited to participate in the Initial Assessment Phase of the USCP hiring process, all facets of which will be conducted virtually at a location of their choice.
• This phase consists of an Orientation and Police Officer Selection Test (POST).
• The Initial Assessment Phase measures a candidate's initial suitability for the position of Police Officer.
• It also provides the applicant with an overview of the USCP and its hiring process.

Education

High School diploma or GED certificate is required.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Post-Assessment Center Evaluation Applicants who successfully complete all components of the Assessment Center may be scheduled for additional pre-employment testing in the Washington, D.C. area.

The additional evaluation consists of the following: o Full Field Background Investigation o Medical Examination o Polygraph Examination o Psychological Examination Failure to successfully pass a full field background investigation and all segments of the pre-employment evaluation process will result in disqualification from further consideration under this Vacancy Announcement.

Additional Job Requirements Driving Proficiency -- Must be a proficient driver, able to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds, through an obstacle course, in inclement weather, and at times of darkness. Firearm Proficiency -- A USCP Police Officer must be willing to carry and maintain proficiency in the use of a firearm.

Training will be provided as part of the mandatory basic training for police officers. Uniform and Grooming Standards -- A USCP Police Officer will be required to wear a USCP-issued uniform while in duty status. Males must be clean shaven.

Hair of male and female officers must be neatly groomed and worn off the uniform collar and tucked under the USCP-issued uniform hat. Shift Work - The USCP operates 7 days per week and 24 hours per day. A Police Officer will be required to work any assigned shift.

Duty hours are subject to change to accommodate the needs of the Department; additional duty may be required.

Applicants must be willing and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Probationary Period - This appointment requires the employee to complete a one-year probationary period. The one-year probationary period begins after completing the mandatory basic training described in this Vacancy Announcement. During the probationary period, the employee's conduct and performance will be monitored to determine if the employee will be retained.

What to expect next

Your application will be considered in the order of receipt. Your online application will be reviewed and a determination will be made as to whether you will be considered for employment. A notification of your application status will be sent to you via email.

If considered, respond and provide all requested documents and information in a timely manner. Basic Training Qualified candidates selected for employment (after the previous testing and assessment) must successfully complete approximately 6 months of paid training.

Candidates must successfully complete each phase of basic training to proceed to the next phase, as follows: Phase 1: Two weeks of preliminary training and orientation conducted at the USCP Training Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Phase 2: Approximately 12 weeks of Uniformed Police Training (UPT) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) located in Glynco, Georgia. Phase 3: Approximately 12 weeks of training specific to the USCP at the USCP Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Phase 4: An additional 8 weeks of training in the USCP Police Training Officer Program, Washington, D.C. Travel is required to attend training at applicant's expense to Cheltenham, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Glynco, GA.

Employment Disqualifiers There are specific situations that automatically disqualify applicants for USCP employment.

Some of the automatic disqualifiers include, but are not limited to: o Conviction of a felony o Conviction of domestic violence o Conviction of a DUI/DWI in the past 10 years o Use of illegal drugs in violation of the United States Capitol Police suitability standards o Less than Honorable military discharge o Intentionally falsifying an application or providing false or intentionally misleading information at any stage of the selection process.

Please note that if you are not selected for this position, the United States Capitol Police may not be able to provide specific feedback or disclose the reasons for your disqualification, due to confidentiality and legal considerations related to the hiring process.

Additional information

Benefits Highlights The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $86,530.00. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending accounts, and an employee assistance program.

USCP employees are covered under the law enforcement provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System. Student Loan Repayment Program Incentive up to $10,000 and is subject to budget availability. Upon receipt of proper certification, sick leave balances will be transferred from other branches of the Federal Government.

While previous creditable Federal service is used to determine the appropriate leave category, annual leave balances are transferable only from other Legislative Branch organizations. Transit subsidy benefits for your commuting costs may be provided to you as a tax-free benefit.

USCP has several on-site state of the art fitness centers with access to personal trainer consultants and locker room facilities. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The USCP is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations. FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT: This position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act provisions.