Special Agent (Entry-Level) - U.S. Capitol Police : Job Details

SummaryThe 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 legislativeresponsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.This job is open to

• The publicU.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agencyClarification from the agency: United States citizens. Current USCP employees not eligible under this announcement. This position requires a USCP full field background investigation. Apply here: USCP CareersDutiesAre you looking for a rewarding career in lawenforcement? Join our team of dedicated, mission-driven officers in protectingCongress and the legislative process. This position is located within the Protective Services Bureau (PSB), AssistantChief of Police for Protective and Intelligence Operations, United StatesCapitol Police (USCP). The PSB collects and analyzes information to produceintelligence, assess threats, enforce the law, identify risks, and develop andemploy risk mitigation, Member protection, and enforcement strategies. Specialty Units include Investigations and Dignitary Protection. A USCP Special Agent within the PSB performs a full range of protective andinvestigative functions. Special Agents are assigned to PSB's DignitaryProtection Division (DPD) or Investigations Division (ID). The PSB DPD isresponsible for carrying out protective functions and operations. The PSB ID isresponsible for investigating violations of the D.C. Code and Title 18 of theU.S. Code, to include allegations of criminal activity, terroristic activity,and threats or unusual interests against Members of Congress and otherstatutory protectees of Congress that occur in the jurisdiction of the USCP asdefined 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 ofsecurity arrangements for domestic and international travel through advancesecurity surveys and on-the-ground protection. Provide personal security ofMembers of Congress and their families; visiting officials of foreign, Federal,state, and/or local governments; and other congressional visitors. Provideprotective coverage for congressional events such as congressional hearings andsessions, official functions, and other events identified by the respectiveSergeant 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, anddisseminate information related to the mission of the ID. Prepare anddisseminate written reports, including reports of investigation, variousinvestigative assessments, and investigations bulletins. Perform a full rangeof comprehensive investigative functions, to include planning, organizing,fact-finding, and reporting results on cases ranging from routine to highlycomplex. Perform protective intelligence operations, coordinating investigativeand operational efforts with other USCP sworn officers and outside agencyofficials. Serve as a liaison with local, state, and Federal law enforcementagencies. Conduct surveillance, surveillance detection, and countersurveillance operations. Represent the USCP during investigative and lawenforcement meetings.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou 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. The Peace Officer Background Investigation Tracking System (POBITS) is an automated system used by investigators to efficiently manage background investigations. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the POBITS system, where they will be instructed to provide their PHS. QualificationsFollowing the pre-employment screening, candidates may be invited toparticipate in the Initial Assessment Phase of the USCP hiring process, allfacets of which will be conducted virtually at a location of their choice. TheInitial Assessment Phase consists of two components: Orientation Session - An overview of the USCP mission, hiring process,training, and employment opportunities. Written Exam - The Police Officer Selection Test (POST) will test thecandidate's knowledge of basic math, reading, and grammar. A passing score ofat least 70% must be obtained in each section. The Orientation and POST will require candidates to use a video conferencingsystem. Note: All online portions of the hiring process require the use of a desktop orlaptop computer. The use of cell phones and tablets will NOT be allowed forvideo conferencing. It is highly recommended that all candidates becomefamiliar with the use of their computer's webcam and microphone. Applicants who successfully complete the Initial Assessment Phase will beissued a Conditional Offer of Employment and will enter the Examination Phaseof the hiring process. Examination Phase The Examination Phase consists of psychological, medical, and polygraphexaminations. This will be a candidate's first required visit toour office in Washington, D.C. during the hiring process. Efforts will be madeto schedule these examinations consecutively to eliminate return visits tocomplete the examinations.• Psychological - Candidates complete a battery of psychological assessments anda clinical interview. The psychological examination will lastapproximately four to six hours. Candidates are encouraged to bewell-rested and eat prior to the examination. The psychological exam will occur online and require the use of a desktop orlaptop computer, camera, and microphone.• Medical - The medical examination will determine if a candidate is medicallyqualified to perform the functional requirements of the job. Candidateswill be required to fast (abstain from food) prior to the medical examination.• Polygraph - The polygraph examination is used to confirm information obtainedthrough the selection process. Physical Readiness Test (PRT) - The PRT consists of three events: a timed300-meter run, a push-up test, and a 1.5-mile run. Background Investigation The final phase of the selection process requires candidates to undergo a fullbackground investigation that will include a thorough review and verificationof the candidate's employment history, employer, residential, and personalreferences, in depth criminal and credit history, and academic records. Must be a United States citizen. Must meet position age requirements. Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license. Must show evidence of responsible driving in the past one (1) year. Male applicants must be registered for Selective Service. Travel for hiring assessments and training is at applicant's expense. Must successfully complete a full field background investigation. Polygraph, medical assessment, criminal, credit, and tax check required. Must successfully complete all required training. Must successfully complete a probationary period. Candidates must meet the following requirements to be minimally qualified forthis position: U.S. Citizenship Only United States Citizens will receive consideration.Qualified applicants will be required to provide proof of citizenship early inthe selection process. Naturalized citizens must be able to participate andcomplete a holistic and verifiable background investigation of their personaland professional background. Age Requirements - Sworn officer positions with the USCP are subject to themandatory retirement provisions of the Capitol Police Retirement Act, whichrequires an officer to separate/retire from the USCP by age 57; but as theresult of current critical mission requirement, the age has been increased to59. Applicants must be at least 21 years old at time of appointment and ordinarilynot older than 37. However, the maximum entry age has been increased to 39years of age at the time of appointment (or 40 years of age if the individualturns 40 in the same month of their initial appointment), with requiredmandatory retirement after 20 years of Federal law enforcement service (e.g.,employed at 39 years of age and retire at 59 years of age). Education 4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience isrequired. Valid Driver's License Applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver's licensethat has not been revoked or under suspension for the past one (1) year. Criminal History Check Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminalhistory check of the past 10 years.• A criminal history check will be performed on all qualified applicants.• USCP Police Officers are required to possess a firearm and ammunition.Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violencecannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition and are ineligible for theposition. Credit Check Must successfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not bein default or delinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans. Selective Service Registration Male applicants must provide verification ofregistration with the Selective Service System or must verify exemption fromthe Selective Service System registration because of age or military status.Female applicants are exempt from Selective Service System registration. Fingerprint Check Applicants' fingerprints will be submitted to the FederalBureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history record. Background Investigation Must successfully complete all components of theUSCP full field background investigation. There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP backgroundinvestigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests,or convictions, may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberatemisstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information atany phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualificationregardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. Theprimary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due todeliberately withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/ormisleading information may be grounds for removal from the application andselection process.Education4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience is required.Additional informationBenefits Highlights: The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $85,627.00. 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. 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.

• BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.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.

• BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.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.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to ApplyNavigate to the following url to apply to this job: Apply here: USCP Careers 1. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package. 3. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. 4. To verify that your application is complete, log into your account and select the job posting for this position. The page will display the status of your application, the documentation received, and any correspondence the Department has sent related to this application. 5. Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application not being considered. The complete application package must be submitted by 6:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.Agency contact informationEmail [email protected] of Human Resources 119 D Street NE United States Capitol Police Washington, DC 20510Next stepsYour 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.
• Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents1) 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.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.How to ApplyNavigate to the following url to apply to this job: Apply here: USCP Careers 1. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package. 3. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. 4. To verify that your application is complete, log into your account and select the job posting for this position. The page will display the status of your application, the documentation received, and any correspondence the Department has sent related to this application. 5. Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application not being considered. The complete application package must be submitted by 6:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.Agency contact informationEmail [email protected] of Human Resources 119 D Street NE United States Capitol Police Washington, DC 20510Next stepsYour 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.Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request