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Police Job Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$78 - $95/hr

Police Officer Announcement number/Req ID: req792 Closing date: 8/31/2026 Pay scale & grade: LP 01- 01 Salary: 86,530.00 - 86,530.00PA Job series: 0083 Appointment type: Permanent Work schedule ...

Police Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$86K/yr

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 ...

Police Cadet

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$38K - $50K/yr

The Police Cadet Program is designed to prepare candidates for entrance into the Metropolitan Police Officer Recruit Program and ensures that a steady stream of District of Columbia youth are ...

Police Cadet

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$18.78/hr

Police Department (1211) Opening Date: 07/08/2026 Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern FLSA: Non-Exempt Description PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR ...

Police Cadet

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$28.82/hr

The Police Department was established in 1922 and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR Start Your Law ...

Police Officer

Mount Rainier, MD ยท On-site

$65K/yr

POLICE OFFICER City Overview: The Historic City of Mount Rainier, MD is a residential community sitting on the border of Washington DC and Prince George's County, MD. Serving 8,000 residents, the ...

Police Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$72K/yr

To qualify for the Police Officer, PQ -0083-4/5, you must meet the following requirements: The PQ-05 has a quality ranking factor. Lack of this quality ranking factor will not disqualify you from ...

Police Officer

VA ยท On-site

$74K - $133K/yr

POLICE-OFFICER APPLICATIONS Division: PWC CJA Opening Date: 07/01/2023 Closing Date: Continuous GRADE: PD 01 Introduction The Police Department is seeking a diverse group of qualified candidates to ...

Police Cadet

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$18.78/hr

The Police Cadet Program serves to identify and select qualified individuals contemplating a career in the field of law enforcement and provide them with career orientation and first-hand experience ...

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Showing results 1-20

Police Job information

See Washington salary details

$27.2K

$68.7K

$95.1K

How much do police job jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for police job in Washington is $68,668.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $73,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police job?

Police jobs involve enforcing laws, protecting the public, and maintaining order in communities. Officers respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, patrol neighborhoods, and assist in accident or crime scenes. Police work also includes writing reports, testifying in court, and engaging in community outreach to build trust and prevent crime. Specialized roles within police departments can include detectives, K-9 handlers, traffic officers, and more. The overall goal is to ensure public safety and uphold the law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer?

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, criminal law, and physical fitness, usually acquired through police academy training and state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body-worn cameras, and radio communication systems is essential. Strong decision-making, emotional resilience, and effective interpersonal communication set outstanding officers apart. These skills ensure public safety, uphold the law ethically, and foster trust within the community.

What are the typical challenges police officers face when working in diverse communities?

Police officers often serve in areas with people from various cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Building trust and effective communication with community members can be challenging, especially when addressing sensitive issues or responding to conflicts. Officers must adapt their approach to respect cultural differences, minimize misunderstandings, and foster positive relationships. Ongoing training in cultural competence and community engagement is a common practice to help officers overcome these challenges and provide fair, effective policing.

What is the difference between Police Job vs Security Guard?

AspectPolice JobSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, police certificationSecurity guard license, basic training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public settingsPrivate properties, commercial locations
Employer & IndustryGovernment, law enforcementPrivate security firms, businesses
Job ResponsibilitiesEnforce laws, respond to emergenciesMonitor premises, prevent theft

While both Police Jobs and Security Guards focus on safety, police officers have law enforcement authority, undergo extensive training, and handle complex emergencies. Security guards primarily monitor and protect property, with less rigorous training requirements. The roles differ in scope, authority, and work environment, but both are essential for maintaining safety and security.

Is it hard to get a police job?

Getting a police job can be competitive and typically requires meeting specific requirements such as a minimum age, a clean background check, physical fitness, and passing written and psychological exams. Candidates often need to complete police academy training and demonstrate good communication and problem-solving skills.

What are popular job titles related to Police Job jobs in Washington?

For Police Job jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Police Job jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Police Job job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Job job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,668 per year, or $33 per hour.

Police Officer

U.S. Capitol Police

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$78 - $95/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Enforce Federal and District of Columbia laws, regulations, and USCP rules and regulations.

  • Physically protect the U.S. Capitol complex, Members of Congress, visitors, and staff from threats of crime and disruption.

  • Take charge of accidents and crime scenes, restrict access, observe, stop, and question suspicious persons, and prepare reports.


Job description

Police Officer

Announcement number/Req ID: req792

Closing date: 8/31/2026

Pay scale & grade: LP 01- 01

Salary: 86,530.00 - 86,530.00PA

Job series: 0083

Appointment type: Permanent

Work schedule: Full-Time

Locations: Many vacancies in the following location: Washington, DC20001

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Telework eligible: False

Clarification from the agency: United States Citizens who are at least 20 years and 6 months. This position requires a USCP full field background investigation. This vacancy announcement is open continuously for the month. Applications will be considered in the order of receipt.

Duties

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.

Responsibilities

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.
  • Performs protective services, safeguards Federally-owned buildings and property, and protects government equipment and property.
  • Uponsuccessfullycompleting training and a probationary period, time-in-grade requirements andall experience requirements, future competitive promotions are available toadvance to other duties-a higher rank or an officer assignment within aspecialized area. USCP specialized areas include, e.g., Special OperationsDivision, Canine Section, Containment Emergency Response Division, DignitaryProtection Division, Intelligence Analysis Division, Intelligence OperationsDivision,Criminal Investigations Section, Threat Assessment Section, andHazardous Incident Response Division.
Travel required

1 Some travel required.

Supervisory status

False

Promotion potential

03

Requirements

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. Further Evaluation of Qualified Candidates Pre-Employment Screening Candidates will be required to submit an Authorization for Release form and additional information via a Personal History Statement (PHS). 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 and Police Officer Selection Test (POST). The Initial Assessment Phase measures a candidate's initial suitability for the position of Police Officer. It also provides the applicant with an overview of the USCP and its hiring process.

Qualifications

The Initial AssessmentPhase consists of two components:

Orientation Session- An overview of the USCP mission, hiringprocess, training, and employment opportunities.

Written Exam- The PoliceOfficer Selection Test (POST) will test the candidate's knowledge of basicmath, reading, and grammar. A passing score of at least 70% (seventy percent)must be obtained ineachsection.

The Orientation and POST will require candidates to use a video conferencingsystem.

Note:All online portions of thehiring process require the use of a desktop or laptop computer. The use of cellphones and tablets will NOT be allowed for video conferencing. It is highlyrecommended that all candidates become familiar with the use of theircomputer'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

  • Psychological โ€“Candidates complete a battery of psychological assessments and a clinicalinterview. The psychological examination will last approximately four tosix hours. Candidates are encouraged to be well-rested and eat prior tothe examination. The psychological examwill 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 medicallyqualified to perform the functional requirements of the job. Candidateswill be required to fast (abstain from food) prior to the medical examination.
  • Polygraph โ€“ 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, 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 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.
  • Must successfully complete all required training.

Must be a United States citizen. 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 andverifiable background investigation of their personal and professionalbackground.

AgeRequirementsโ€“ 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 ordinarily not older than 37. However, the maximum entry agehas been increased to 39 years of age at the time of appointment (or 40 yearsof age if the individual turns 40 in the same month of their initialappointment), with required mandatory retirement after 20 years of Federal lawenforcement service (e.g., employed at 39 years of age and retire at 59 yearsof age).

Education-- High School diploma or GED certificateis required.

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

Criminal History Check-- Mustsuccessfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years.

Criminal history check will be performed on all qualified applicants.

USCP Police Officers arerequired to possess a firearm and ammunition. Applicants who have been convicted ofa misdemeanor crime of domestic violencecannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition and are ineligible fortheposition.

Credit Check-- Mustsuccessfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not be in default ordelinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans.

Selective Service Registration-- Male applicants must provide verificationof registration 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. https://www.sss.gov/verify

Fingerprint Check--Applicants' fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history record.

Background Investigation--Must successfully complete all components of the USCP full field backgroundinvestigation.

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 to deliberately withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application andselection process.

Education

High School diploma or GED certificate is required.

Additional Information
  • Benefits Highlights The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $86,530.00.
  • 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.
  • Student Loan Repayment Program Incentive up to $10,000 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Post-Assessment Center Evaluation Applicants who successfully complete all components of the Assessment Center 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 -- A USCP Police Officer 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 -- A USCP Police Officer 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 worn off the uniform collar and tucked under the USCP-issued uniform hat. Shift Work - The USCP operates 7 days per week and 24 hours per day. A Police Officer 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.

Security clearance

2

Drug test required

Yes

Required Documents

RESUME

Agency Contact Information

Police OfficerRecruitment

OCAO-Office of Human Resources 119 D Street NE

Email: policeofficerrecruitment@uscp.gov

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