Position Overview
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is actively recruiting Police Officers to support its mission of protecting Congress, the U.S. Capitol and the people who work in and visit the Capitol complex.
USCP states that officer pay starts at approximately $86,530 per year, with the maximum annual rate potentially exceeding $200,000 as an officer progresses through the pay system. The department lists Police Officer hiring as an ongoing career pathway.
USCP also states that it does not currently operate a regular internship program, although individual bureaus or offices may sometimes offer unpaid summer internships. Because no current internship vacancy was verified, the Police Officer opening is the current job fallback.
Minimum Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- At least 21 years old at appointment and generally not older than 39
- Applicants turning 40 in the same month as initial appointment may qualify under the stated rule
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid U.S. state-issued driver’s license
- Evidence of at least one year of responsible driving
- Selective Service registration or valid exemption where applicable
- Ability to complete a full background investigation
- Ability to meet medical, psychological, polygraph and physical-readiness requirements
Tip: USCP’s process is multi-stage. Keep your employment, residential, driving and personal-history records organized before the background-investigation phase begins.
Key Responsibilities
- Protect Members of Congress, employees and visitors
- Patrol Capitol grounds and facilities
- Support screening and building-security operations
- Respond to public-safety and law-enforcement incidents
- Support protection during demonstrations and major events
- Carry out federal law-enforcement responsibilities in the Capitol environment
- Develop skills for possible specialty assignments such as dignitary protection, K-9, intelligence or other units
What You Will Gain
- Federal law-enforcement training and career development
- Starting officer pay around $86,530
- Department-issued uniforms and equipment
- Potential student-loan repayment up to $10,000 per year for qualified employees
- Federal law-enforcement retirement eligibility
- 104 hours of sick leave per year
- Annual leave that increases with service
- Wellness, Employee Assistance and Peer Support resources
- Continuous in-service and specialty training
New recruit training begins immediately and USCP describes the overall training period as approximately 37 weeks, including federal law-enforcement and specialized Capitol Police training.
Application Process
How to Apply
Start at the official USCP careers site and select the Police Officer vacancy. Applicants create an APEX profile and complete the required prescreening information.
- Submit the application and prescreening questionnaire
- Complete the virtual orientation and Police Officer Selection Test
- Travel to Washington, D.C. for required examination-phase components
- Complete polygraph, psychological, physical fitness and medical evaluations
- Complete the full background investigation
- Receive final approval and a recruit-class start date if selected
FAQ
Does USCP currently have a regular internship program?
No. USCP states that it does not currently have a regular internship program, although some offices may occasionally offer unpaid summer internships.
What is the starting salary for officers?
USCP currently advertises officer starting pay at approximately $86,530.
What education is required?
Applicants need at least a high school diploma or GED.
Is prior police experience required?
The basic entry requirements do not list prior police employment as a universal requirement; applicants must successfully complete the selection and training process.