Police Officer (Lateral Transfer)

U.S. Capitol Police
Washington, DC 20022 United States  View Map
Posted: Jun 06, 2026
  • Full Time
  • Public Safety
  • Summary

    Summary

    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 legislativeresponsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.

    Learn more about this agency

    Duties

    Help

    A United States Capitol Police Officer LP-0083 performs a full range of police duties and responsibilities:

    • 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.
    • Performsprotective 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

    Help

    Conditions of employment

    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 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. It provides the applicant with an overview of the USCP and its hiring process.

    Qualifications

    Must have completed any of the following: FLETC UPTP; FLETA

    accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or CBP training programs (USBPI or

    CBPOPT). Certificate must be included with application.

    Must be current Law Enforcement and possess 9 months of law enforcement experience post training at time of

    application. Must possess 52 weeks of law enforcement experience at time

    of appointment.

    Must be current law enforcement

    employed outside of USCP.

    Examination Phase

    The Examination Phase consists of psychological, medical and polygraph

    examinations. This will be a candidate's first required visit to

    our office in Washington, D.C. during the hiring process. Efforts will be made

    to schedule these examinations consecutively to eliminate return visits to

    complete the examinations.

    • Psychological - Candidates complete

    a battery of psychological assessments and a clinical interview. The

    psychological examination will last approximately four to six hours.

    Candidates are encouraged to be well-rested and eat prior to the examination.

    The psychological exam will occur online and require the use of a desktop or

    laptop computer, camera, and microphone.

    • Medical - The medical examination will determine if a candidate is medically

    qualified to perform the functional requirements of the job. Candidates

    will be required to fast (abstain from food) prior to the medical examination.

    • Polygraph - The polygraph examination is used to confirm information obtained

    through the selection process.

    Background Investigation

    The final phase of the selection process requires candidates to undergo a full

    background investigation that will include a thorough review and verification

    of the candidate's employment history, employer, residential, and personal

    references, 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 REAL ID U.S. driver's license.

    Must show evidence of responsible driving in the last one 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.

    Must have completed any of the following: FLETC UPTP; FLETA accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or CBP training programs (USBPI or CBPOPT). Certificate must be attached to the application

    Must be in a full and unrestricted

    duty status at the time of application and at the time of appointment.

    Candidates must meet the following

    requirements to be minimally qualified for this position:

    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. Naturalized citizens must be able

    to participate and complete a holistic and verifiable background investigation

    of their personal and professional background.

    Age

    Requirements - Sworn officer positions with the USCP are subject to the

    mandatory retirement provisions of the Capitol Police Retirement Act, which

    requires an officer to separate/retire from the USCP by age 57, but as the

    result of current critical mission requirement, the age has been increased to

    59.

    Applicants must be at least 21 years old

    at time of appointment and ordinarily not older than 37. However, the maximum

    entry age has been increased to 39 years of age at the time of appointment (or

    40 years of age if the individual turns 40 in the same month of their initial

    appointment), with required mandatory retirement after 20 years of Federal law

    enforcement service (e.g., employed at 39 years of age and retire at 59 years

    of age).

    • As a lateral transfer, you may be older than age 39 only if you are currently serving in or you previously served in, a Federal civilian law enforcement position that is subject to the mandatory retirement rules AND the years of law enforcement you already served PLUS the expected years you will serve as a USCP law enforcement officer, will allow you to accumulate at least 20 years of combined total Federal law enforcement service by age 59. If age 39 or above, must provide an SF-50 with application that indicates retirement coverage by special law enforcement retirement provisions.

    Education High School diploma or GED certificate is required.

    Valid Driver's License Applicants must possess a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license that has not been revoked or under suspension for the past one (1)

    year.

    Criminal History Check Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal

    history 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 violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition and are

    ineligible for the position.

    Credit Check Must successfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not

    be in default or delinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans.

    Selective Service Registration Male applicants must provide

    verification of registration with the Selective Service System or must verify

    exemption from the 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

    Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history

    record.

    Background Investigation Must successfully complete all components of

    the USCP full field background investigation.

    There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP background

    investigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests,

    or convictions may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate

    misstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information at

    any phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualification

    regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. The

    primary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due to deliberately

    withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading

    information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection

    process.

    Education

    High School diploma or GED certificate is required. Must have completed any of the following: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Uniform Police Training Program (UPTP); FLETA accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or Customs and Border Patrol training programs (USBPI or CBPOPT).

    Additional information

    The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $83,362. Upon validation of current annual base salary, selectees whose base salary meets or exceeds this starting salary will receive a base salary offer that equals or exceeds their current annual base salary. A recruitment bonus will be provided. $5,000 will be provided following appointment with another $5,000 provided following completion of 18 months of service. Provision of these payments requires the execution of a two year service agreement with the Department. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending accounts, and access to 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 annually with a maximum of $80,000 per employee 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

    Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.



    Help

    A 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.
  • Job Description

    Summary

    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 legislativeresponsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.

    Learn more about this agency

    Duties

    Help

    A United States Capitol Police Officer LP-0083 performs a full range of police duties and responsibilities:

    • 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.
    • Performsprotective 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

    Help

    Conditions of employment

    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 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. It provides the applicant with an overview of the USCP and its hiring process.

    Qualifications

    Must have completed any of the following: FLETC UPTP; FLETA

    accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or CBP training programs (USBPI or

    CBPOPT). Certificate must be included with application.

    Must be current Law Enforcement and possess 9 months of law enforcement experience post training at time of

    application. Must possess 52 weeks of law enforcement experience at time

    of appointment.

    Must be current law enforcement

    employed outside of USCP.

    Examination Phase

    The Examination Phase consists of psychological, medical and polygraph

    examinations. This will be a candidate's first required visit to

    our office in Washington, D.C. during the hiring process. Efforts will be made

    to schedule these examinations consecutively to eliminate return visits to

    complete the examinations.

    • Psychological - Candidates complete

    a battery of psychological assessments and a clinical interview. The

    psychological examination will last approximately four to six hours.

    Candidates are encouraged to be well-rested and eat prior to the examination.

    The psychological exam will occur online and require the use of a desktop or

    laptop computer, camera, and microphone.

    • Medical - The medical examination will determine if a candidate is medically

    qualified to perform the functional requirements of the job. Candidates

    will be required to fast (abstain from food) prior to the medical examination.

    • Polygraph - The polygraph examination is used to confirm information obtained

    through the selection process.

    Background Investigation

    The final phase of the selection process requires candidates to undergo a full

    background investigation that will include a thorough review and verification

    of the candidate's employment history, employer, residential, and personal

    references, 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 REAL ID U.S. driver's license.

    Must show evidence of responsible driving in the last one 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.

    Must have completed any of the following: FLETC UPTP; FLETA accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or CBP training programs (USBPI or CBPOPT). Certificate must be attached to the application

    Must be in a full and unrestricted

    duty status at the time of application and at the time of appointment.

    Candidates must meet the following

    requirements to be minimally qualified for this position:

    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. Naturalized citizens must be able

    to participate and complete a holistic and verifiable background investigation

    of their personal and professional background.

    Age

    Requirements - Sworn officer positions with the USCP are subject to the

    mandatory retirement provisions of the Capitol Police Retirement Act, which

    requires an officer to separate/retire from the USCP by age 57, but as the

    result of current critical mission requirement, the age has been increased to

    59.

    Applicants must be at least 21 years old

    at time of appointment and ordinarily not older than 37. However, the maximum

    entry age has been increased to 39 years of age at the time of appointment (or

    40 years of age if the individual turns 40 in the same month of their initial

    appointment), with required mandatory retirement after 20 years of Federal law

    enforcement service (e.g., employed at 39 years of age and retire at 59 years

    of age).

    • As a lateral transfer, you may be older than age 39 only if you are currently serving in or you previously served in, a Federal civilian law enforcement position that is subject to the mandatory retirement rules AND the years of law enforcement you already served PLUS the expected years you will serve as a USCP law enforcement officer, will allow you to accumulate at least 20 years of combined total Federal law enforcement service by age 59. If age 39 or above, must provide an SF-50 with application that indicates retirement coverage by special law enforcement retirement provisions.

    Education High School diploma or GED certificate is required.

    Valid Driver's License Applicants must possess a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license that has not been revoked or under suspension for the past one (1)

    year.

    Criminal History Check Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal

    history 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 violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition and are

    ineligible for the position.

    Credit Check Must successfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not

    be in default or delinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans.

    Selective Service Registration Male applicants must provide

    verification of registration with the Selective Service System or must verify

    exemption from the 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

    Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history

    record.

    Background Investigation Must successfully complete all components of

    the USCP full field background investigation.

    There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP background

    investigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests,

    or convictions may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate

    misstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information at

    any phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualification

    regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. The

    primary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due to deliberately

    withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading

    information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection

    process.

    Education

    High School diploma or GED certificate is required. Must have completed any of the following: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Uniform Police Training Program (UPTP); FLETA accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or Customs and Border Patrol training programs (USBPI or CBPOPT).

    Additional information

    The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $83,362. Upon validation of current annual base salary, selectees whose base salary meets or exceeds this starting salary will receive a base salary offer that equals or exceeds their current annual base salary. A recruitment bonus will be provided. $5,000 will be provided following appointment with another $5,000 provided following completion of 18 months of service. Provision of these payments requires the execution of a two year service agreement with the Department. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending accounts, and access to 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 annually with a maximum of $80,000 per employee 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

    Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.



    Help

    A 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.
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

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    Whether you’re starting your career or seeking new opportunities, these roles provide pathways for growth, security, and service.

    Explore positions across a wide range of fields and take the first step toward a rewarding future in public service.

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