Special Agent (Lateral)
Full-time
8 months ago
Employment Information
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 Protective Services Bureau (PSB), Assistant Chief of Police for Protective and Intelligence Operations (ACOP-P&IO), United States Capitol Police (USCP). PSB collects and analyzes information to produce intelligence, assess threats, enforce the law, identify risks, and develop and employ risk mitigation, Member protection, and enforcement strategies. Specialty Units include Investigations and Dignitary Protection.
A United States Capitol Police Special Agent within PSB performs a full range of protective and investigative functions. Special Agents are assigned to PSB’s Dignitary Protection Division (DPD) or Investigations Division (ID). The PSB DPD is responsible for carrying out protective functions and operations. The PSB ID 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. Serve arrest and search warrants; work with judicial officials for prosecution.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
You must be able to 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.
Qualifications
Must have completed the FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or equivalent training program from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or U.S. Postal Inspection Service . Certificate or FLETC transcript must be included with application.
If you need a copy of your FLETC transcript, you can request it through email at fletc-transcripts@dhs.gov, call (912) 267-2457 or visit the following url: https://www.fletc.gov/request-your-transcript
Must be current Law Enforcement and possess 9 months of law enforcement experience 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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 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 the FLETC CITP or equivalent training program from the FBI, DEA or U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
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 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.
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. https://www.sss.gov/Registration/check-a-Registration/Verifcation-Form
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.
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 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. https://www.sss.gov/Registration/check-a-Registration/Verifcation-Form
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 FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or equivalent training program from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ,Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or U.S. Postal Inspection Service . Certificate or FLETC transcript must be included with application. If you need a copy of your FLETC transcript, you can request it through email at fletc-transcripts@dhs.gov, call (912) 267-2457 or visit the following url: https://www.fletc.gov/request-your-transcript
Additional information
The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $81,311 with opportunities to earn overtime up to the maximum allowable pay rate. 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 of $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. A Student Loan Repayment Program Incentive of 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. 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.
Benefits
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The 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: Must successfully complete the 6 week USCP Basic Agent Training Program (BATP) for DPD or 5 week USCP Basic Investigations Training Program (BITP) for ID for retention in the position. 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. 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 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.
Benefits
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.
Required Documents
As 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; 2) Copy of FLETC CITP or equivalent training program from the FBI, DEA or U.S. Postal Inspection Service certificate(s) showing 1811 series in your career; 3) SF-50 showing retirement coverage by special law enforcement retirement provisions (only required if over the age of 39) If you need a copy of your FLETC transcript, you can request it through email at fletc-transcripts@dhs.gov, call (912) 267-2457 or visit the following url: https://www.fletc.gov/request-your-transcript
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 Apply
Navigate to the following url to apply to this job: 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, 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 7:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.
Agency contact information
Email
policeofficerrecruitment@uscp.gov
Address
OCAO-Office of Human Resources 119 D Street NE
United States Capitol Police
Washington, DC 20510
Next steps
Your 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. Candidates must successfully complete approximately 3 months of paid training. Candidates must successfully complete each phase of basic training to proceed to the next phase, as follows: Training will include: A multi-week, USCP-specific training program at the USCP Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland; and up to 4 weeks of Field Training, as required; and a Firearms Refresher Training Course. Approximately 6 week USCP Basic Agent Training Program (BATP) for DPD or 5 week USCP Basic Investigations Training Program (BITP) for ID located in Cheltenham, Maryland. Travel is required to attend training at applicant's expense to 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 Drugs or Alcohol (DUI)/Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated (DWI) o Use of illegal drugs in violation of the United States Capitol Police 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 Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
1) Resume; 2) Copy of FLETC CITP or equivalent training program from the FBI, DEA or U.S. Postal Inspection Service certificate(s) showing 1811 series in your career; 3) SF-50 showing retirement coverage by special law enforcement retirement provisions (only required if over the age of 39) If you need a copy of your FLETC transcript, you can request it through email at fletc-transcripts@dhs.gov, call (912) 267-2457 or visit the following url: https://www.fletc.gov/request-your-transcript
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.
Help
This job is open to
-
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens who are current Law Enforcement and have successfully passed the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or equivalent training program from the FBI, DEA or U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Current USCP employees not eligible. Requires a USCP full field background investigation. Apply here: USCP Careers
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