Candidates must meet the following to be minimally qualified for this position:
Valid Driver's License - Applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver's license that is not revoked or under suspension for three (3) years.
Education - A High School diploma or a GED certificate is required.
Age Requirements - You must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 37 at the time of appointment. You may be older than age 37 at the time of appointment if you are presently serving or have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement position subject to mandatory retirement rules and your years of law enforcement service plus prospective years of service with the USCP will allow you to accumulate at least 20 years of combined service by age 57. Sworn officer positions with the USCP are subject to the mandatory retirement provisions of the Capitol Police Retirement Act which requires officers to separate from the USCP by age 57.
U.S. Citizenship - Only United States Citizens will receive consideration. Qualified applicants will be required to provide proof of citizenship early in the selection process.
Criminal History Check - A comprehensive criminal history check will be performed on all qualified applicants. USCP Officers are required to possess a firearm and ammunition. If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition and are ineligible for the position.
Credit Check- Applicants must not be in default or delinquent on any federal guaranteed student loans.
Selective Service - Verification of registration with the Selective Service System; or exempt from the Selective Service System registration as a female or because of age or military status.
Fingerprint Check - Your fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history record.
Background Investigation - Successfully pass all United States Capitol Police background and suitability hiring standards.
Selected applicants will be further evaluated for suitability and may be invited to an Assessment Center. The Assessment Center will consist of the following components and you will be required to bring a valid U.S. driver's license with you for identification:
- Orientation Session - An overview of the mission of the United States Capitol Police and the specialty assignments and employment opportunities.
- Written Exam - The Police Officer Selection Test (POST) will be administered to qualified applicants. The POST will test your knowledge of basic math, reading, and grammar. You must obtain a passing score of at least 70 in each section to receive further consideration under this vacancy announcement.
- Physical Readiness Test (PRT) - Due to the strenuous nature of the USCP officer duties and the associated training programs, fitness tests have been developed and will be used to screen qualified applicants for entry-level Police Officer positions. You will be required to pass the PRT in order to receive further consideration under this vacancy announcement. You must complete and submit the PRT medical forms. For a complete description of the PRT and to view the required medical forms, please visit our website at http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/physical_readiness_test/physical_readiness_test.php.
- Pre-employment Interview - A personal interview will be conducted to review, confirm, and clarify the information you have submitted and to determine suitability for the position of Police Officer.
Applicants who successfully complete all components of the Assessment Center may be scheduled for additional pre-employment testing in the Washington, DC area.
The additional evaluations will consist of the following:
- Full Field Background Investigation
- Medical Examination
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Examination
- Oral Board Interview
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.
MANDATORY COMPLETION OF BASIC TRAINING
Qualified candidates selected for employment must successfully complete approximately 6 months of paid training. Candidates must successfully complete each phase of training in order to proceed to the next phase, as follows:
Phase 1: One week 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 Center (FLETC) located in Brunswick, Georgia.
Phase 3: Approximately 12 weeks of training specific to the United States Capitol Police at the USCP Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland.
Phase 4: An additional 8 weeks of training in the USCP Police Training Officer Program, Washington, DC.
*Failure to successfully complete all phases of training may result in removal from the position.
ADDITIONAL JOB CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS
Firearm Proficiency - As a USCP Officer, you 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- You 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 be able to be worn off the uniform collar and tucked under the USCP-issued uniform hat.
Shift Work- USCP operates 7 days a week/24 hours per day. As a police officer, you 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 completion of a one-year probationary period. The one-year probationary period begins after completion of the mandatory basic training described in this vacancy announcement. During this time period, the employee's conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if the employee will be retained.
