Special Agent (Entry-Level)

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 legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.

Duties

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 United States Capitol Police (USCP) Protective and Intelligence Operations (P&IO). The P&IO is responsible for the protection of members of congress, officers of congress, and their immediate family. The P&IO is also responsible for safeguarding the United States Congress and American democracy by setting the standard in protective intelligence and investigations. A USCP Special Agent within the P&IO performs a full range of protective and investigative functions. Special Agents are assigned to the Dignitary Protection Division (DPD), Investigations Division (ID) or the Intelligence Operations Division (IOD) following successful completion of training. The P&IO 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). 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. IOD Special Agents – Lead counterterrorism, suspicious activity, counterintelligence and cyber threat investigations in accordance with D.C. Code and Title 18 of the U.S. Code as defined by 2 USC § 1966(a) & (f) to ensure the Congressional Community’s security concerns are represented. SAs assigned to IOD are also responsible for conducting a range of protective intelligence operations.

Qualifications

The Initial 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 the candidate's knowledge of basic math, reading, and grammar. A passing score of at least 70% (seventy percent) must be obtained in each section. The Orientation and POST will require candidates to use a video conferencing system. Note: All online portions of the hiring process require the use of a desktop or laptop computer. The use of cell phones and tablets will NOT be allowed for video conferencing. It is highly recommended that all candidates become familiar with the use of their computer's webcam and microphone. Applicants who successfully complete the Initial Assessment Phase will be issued a Conditional Offer of Employment and will enter the Examination Phase of the hiring process. 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. ●Physical Readiness Test (PRT) - The PRT consists of three events: a timed 300-meter run, push-up test, and a 1.5-mile run. ●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 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 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). Education -- 4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience is required. Valid Driver's License -- Applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver's license that has not been revoked or under suspension for the past one (1) year. Criminal History Check -- Must