Special Agent (Entry-Level)

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

• Are you looking for a rewarding career in law enforcement?
• Join our team of dedicated, mission-driven officers in protecting Congress and the legislative process.
• This position is located within the Protective Services Bureau (PSB), Assistant Chief of Police for Protective and Intelligence Operations, United States Capitol Police (USCP).
• The PSB provides direct Member protection and collects and analyzes information, assesses threats, enforces the law, identifies risks, and develops and employs risk mitigation, and enforcement strategies.
• Divisions within the PSB include Investigations and Dignitary Protection.
• A USCP Special Agent within the PSB performs a full range of protective and investigative functions.
• Special Agents are assigned to PSB’s Dignitary Protection Division (DPD) or Investigations Division (ID).
• The PSB DPD is responsible for carrying out protective functions and operations.
• The PSB ID is responsible for investigating violations of the D.C. Code and Title 18 of the U.S. Code, to include allegations of criminal activity, terroristic activity, and threats or unusual interests against Members of Congress and other statutory protectees of Congress that occur in the jurisdiction of the USCP as defined by 2 USC § 1966(a) & (f).
• Upon successful completion of training, you will be assigned to the DPD or ID.
• Duties include but are not limited to: DPD Special Agents - Provide protection of congressional leadership, including the coordination of security arrangements for domestic and international travel through advance security surveys and on-the-ground protection.
• Provide personal security of Members of Congress and their families; visiting officials of foreign, Federal, state, and/or local governments; and other congressional visitors.
• Provide protective coverage for congressional events such as congressional hearings and sessions, official functions, and other events identified by the respective Sergeant at Arms and/or Chief of Police.
• ID Special Agents - Investigate criminal and terroristic activity involving violations of the D.C. Code and Title 18 of the U.S. Code.
• Collect, evaluate, interpret, and disseminate information related to the mission of the ID.
• Prepare and disseminate written reports, including reports of investigation, various investigative assessments, and investigations bulletins.
• Perform a full range of comprehensive investigative functions, to include planning, organizing, fact-finding, and reporting results on cases ranging from routine to highly complex.
• Perform protective intelligence operations, coordinating investigative and operational efforts with other USCP sworn officers and outside agency officials.
• Serve as a liaison with local, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies.
• Conduct surveillance, surveillance detection, and counter surveillance operations.
• Represent the USCP during investigative and law enforcement meetings.

Requirements

• You must obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• 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.
• For further consideration, qualified candidates will be required to submit an Authorization for Release form and additional information via a Personal History Statement (PHS) for further pre-employment screening.
• 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 PHS.

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. Applicants who successfully complete all components of the Initial Assessment 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 – USCP Special Agents must be able to carry and maintain proficiency in the use of a firearm.

Shift Work - The USCP operates 7 days per week and 24 hours per day. Special Agents 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.

Documents you must provide

• 1) Resume and 2) Transcripts to support proof of 4-year degree or DD-214 or other appropriate military discharge papers and separation documents to support military service.

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: One-week preliminary training and orientation conducted at the USCP Training Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Phase 2: Approximately 13-week Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) located in Glynco, Georgia. Phase 3: Approximately 13 weeks of a Agent Training Program specific to the USCP PSB at the USCP Training Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Phase 4: An additional 4 weeks of training in the USCP Field Training Agent Program in Washington, D.C. Travel is required to attend training at applicant's expense to the FLETC in Glynco, GA; Cheltenham, Maryland; and Washington, D.C. 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 Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI)/Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated (DWI) in the past 10 years o Use of illegal drugs in violation of the USCP 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.

Additional information

The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $90,853. Benefits Highlights: 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. A Student Loan Repayment Program Incentive up to $10,000 annually with a maximum of $80,000 per employee is available, 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 accrual 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. The 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.