U.S. Capitol Police
Special Agent (Entry-Level)
Announcement number/Req ID:
req699
Closing date:
1/31/2026
Pay scale & grade:
LP 03- 03
Salary:
87,527.00 - 87,527.00PA
Job series:
0083
Appointment type:
Permanent
Work schedule:
Full-Time
Locations:
Washington, DC 20001
Relocation expenses reimbursed:
No
Telework eligible:
False
Clarification from the agency:
United States citizens. Current USCP employees not eligible under this announcement. This position requires a USCP full field background investigation. Apply here: USCP Careers
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 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 of the United States Capitol Police (USCP). The 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 USCP Special Agent within the 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, including 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).
Upon successful completion of training, you will be assigned to the DPD or ID.
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‑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 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 investigative assessments and bulletins. Perform a full range of investigative functions, including 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.
Travel required:
5 Travel is required for both domestic and international assignments.
Supervisory status:
False
Promotion potential:
03
Requirements You must 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. For further consideration, qualified candidates will be required to submit an Authorization for Release form and additional information via a Personal History Statement (PHO) for further pre‑employment screening. The information provided, along with a review of the candidate's credit, criminal history, and driving record, will be reviewed. ESOPH is an automated system used by investigators to manage background investigations. Candidates will receive an e‑mail from ESOPH, where they will be instructed to provide their PHS.
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% must be obtained in each section.
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.
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 exam will occur online and require a desktop or laptop computer, a camera, and a 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 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 – 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.
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 suspended for the past one (1) year.
Criminal History Check – Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years.
Firearm Ownership – Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot law‑fully 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 due to age or military status. Female applicants are exempt. https://www.sss.gov/verify
Fingerprint Check – Applicants’ fingerprints will be submitted to the 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 4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience is required.
Additional Information The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $87,527. Benefits Highlights: 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. A Student Loan Repayment Program Incentive 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. The 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. Applicants who successfully complete all components of the Initial Assessment may be scheduled for additional pre‑employment testing in the Washington, D.C. area. The additional evaluation consists of the following: full field background investigation, medical examination, polygraph examination, 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 – 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; 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:
4
Drug test required:
Yes
Required Documents 1) Resume 2) Transcripts to support proof of 4-year degree or DD‑214 or other appropriate military discharge papers and separation documents to support military service.
How to Apply Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: Apply here: 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 6:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.
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. Basic Training: Qualified candidates selected for employment (after the previous testing and assessment) must successfully complete approximately 6 months of paid training. Candidates must successfully complete each phase of basic training to proceed to the next phase, as follows: Phase 1: One‑week preliminary training and orientation conducted at the USCP Training Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland. Phase 2: Approximately 13‑week Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) located in Glynco, Georgia. Phase 3: Approximately 13 weeks of a Agent Training Program specific to the USCP PSB at the USCP Training Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland. Phase 4: An additional 4 weeks of training in the USCP Field Training Agent Program in Washington, D.C. Travel is required to attend training at applicant’s expense to the FLETC in Glynco, GA; 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: Conviction of a felony, Conviction of domestic violence, Conviction of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI)/Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated (DWI) in the past 10 years, Use of illegal drugs in violation of the USCP suitability standards, Less than Honorable military discharge, Intentionally falsifying an application or providing false or intentionally misleading information at any stage of the selection process.
Agency Contact Information Police Officer Recruitment, OCAO - Office of Human Resources, 119 D Street NE
Email: policeofficerrecruitment@uscp.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr
req699
Closing date:
1/31/2026
Pay scale & grade:
LP 03- 03
Salary:
87,527.00 - 87,527.00PA
Job series:
0083
Appointment type:
Permanent
Work schedule:
Full-Time
Locations:
Washington, DC 20001
Relocation expenses reimbursed:
No
Telework eligible:
False
Clarification from the agency:
United States citizens. Current USCP employees not eligible under this announcement. This position requires a USCP full field background investigation. Apply here: USCP Careers
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 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 of the United States Capitol Police (USCP). The 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 USCP Special Agent within the 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, including 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).
Upon successful completion of training, you will be assigned to the DPD or ID.
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‑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 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 investigative assessments and bulletins. Perform a full range of investigative functions, including 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.
Travel required:
5 Travel is required for both domestic and international assignments.
Supervisory status:
False
Promotion potential:
03
Requirements You must 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. For further consideration, qualified candidates will be required to submit an Authorization for Release form and additional information via a Personal History Statement (PHO) for further pre‑employment screening. The information provided, along with a review of the candidate's credit, criminal history, and driving record, will be reviewed. ESOPH is an automated system used by investigators to manage background investigations. Candidates will receive an e‑mail from ESOPH, where they will be instructed to provide their PHS.
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% must be obtained in each section.
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.
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 exam will occur online and require a desktop or laptop computer, a camera, and a 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 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 – 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.
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 suspended for the past one (1) year.
Criminal History Check – Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years.
Firearm Ownership – Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot law‑fully 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 due to age or military status. Female applicants are exempt. https://www.sss.gov/verify
Fingerprint Check – Applicants’ fingerprints will be submitted to the 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 4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience is required.
Additional Information The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $87,527. Benefits Highlights: 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. A Student Loan Repayment Program Incentive 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. The 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. Applicants who successfully complete all components of the Initial Assessment may be scheduled for additional pre‑employment testing in the Washington, D.C. area. The additional evaluation consists of the following: full field background investigation, medical examination, polygraph examination, 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 – 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; 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:
4
Drug test required:
Yes
Required Documents 1) Resume 2) Transcripts to support proof of 4-year degree or DD‑214 or other appropriate military discharge papers and separation documents to support military service.
How to Apply Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: Apply here: 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 6:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.
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. Basic Training: Qualified candidates selected for employment (after the previous testing and assessment) must successfully complete approximately 6 months of paid training. Candidates must successfully complete each phase of basic training to proceed to the next phase, as follows: Phase 1: One‑week preliminary training and orientation conducted at the USCP Training Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland. Phase 2: Approximately 13‑week Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) located in Glynco, Georgia. Phase 3: Approximately 13 weeks of a Agent Training Program specific to the USCP PSB at the USCP Training Academy located in Cheltenham, Maryland. Phase 4: An additional 4 weeks of training in the USCP Field Training Agent Program in Washington, D.C. Travel is required to attend training at applicant’s expense to the FLETC in Glynco, GA; 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: Conviction of a felony, Conviction of domestic violence, Conviction of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI)/Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated (DWI) in the past 10 years, Use of illegal drugs in violation of the USCP suitability standards, Less than Honorable military discharge, Intentionally falsifying an application or providing false or intentionally misleading information at any stage of the selection process.
Agency Contact Information Police Officer Recruitment, OCAO - Office of Human Resources, 119 D Street NE
Email: policeofficerrecruitment@uscp.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr