Metro Transit Police Officer

Metro Transit Police Officers are responsible for the enforcement of laws, regulations, and ordinances for crimes committed on, to, or against facilities owned, controlled, or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Metro Transit Police Officers conduct this enforcement through a variety of tactics, to include uniform and plain clothes deployments. The Metro Transit Police Department also has a variety of specialty units to include: The Explosive Ordinance Detection Unit, K9, the Special Response Team, Motorcycle unit and more. Unlike any other police agency in the country, the Metro Transit Police Department has tristate jurisdiction and operates in the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Due to this jurisdiction, Metro Transit Police Officers serve a population of 3.2 million people throughout the 1,500-square mile Transit Zone.

The Metro Transit Police Department offers a competitive starting annual salary of $62,888. In addition, the Metro Transit Police Department offers a rich benefit package to include health, dental, group life insurance, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Metro Transit Retirement Plan as well as tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and free transportation on Metrobus and rail.

Lateral police officers, military personnel, and those who have obtained a college degree may receive a higher starting salary up to $77,575 , depending on years of experience and qualifications. Apply today and be eligible for a $10,000 signing bonus!!

MOS/SOC:

Lateral transfers will be considered for candidates with current military occupational skills and/or service occupational codes (SOC) listed below or have similar documented training/designations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or possession of a general equivalency diploma (GED)

Experience

May be advanced to the next grade level provided he/she has taken and passed any required written or practical tests, acquired any required certifications and has met acceptable fitness for duty, work record and job performance requirements.

• Must be at least 21 years old on date of appointment. This is the entry level.
• Level TP I
  • Must be at least 21 years old on date of appointment. This is the entry level.

• Two (2) years’ experience as a Metro Transit Police Officer I or related role
• Level TP III
  • Five (5) years’ experience a Metro Transit Police Officer I & II, or related role
• Five (5) years’ experience a Metro Transit Police Officer I & II, or related role
• Level TP II
  • Two (2) years’ experience as a Metro Transit Police Officer I or related role

Certification/Licensure

• Valid driver’s license from jurisdiction of residence

Preferred

Medical Group:

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mission Essential Designation:

• In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

Job Summary:

The Metro Transit Police Officer protects life, safety and welfare of transit patrons and employees, enforces laws and regulations, investigates crimes committed on or against facilities owned, controlled, or operated by the Authority, and protects Authority revenue. The incumbent serves as a sworn police officer with full apprehension and arrest powers throughout the Transit zone. The Metro Transit Police Officer must obtain and maintain police certification in the District of Columbia, State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Virginia. This position requires a substantial element of personal risk. Additionally, this position requires tactful conscientious and efficient performance of duties under minimal direct supervision.

Job Levels: At each successive grade level of this job (i.e. 8722 TPI, 8723 TP II and 8724 TPIII), the incumbent is expected to demonstrate increased, distinguishing levels of proficiency and efficiency in knowledge, skills and abilities when performing the assigned duties and essential functions described in this job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Investigates crimes or incidents, preserves evidence, identifies witnesses and protects the crime scene pending the arrival of investigating officer(s) and supervising official(s).
• Restrains a criminal suspect, assailant, or perpetrator, forcibly if necessary using handcuffs and other restraints, subdues resisting arrestees using maneuvers and resorts to the use of hands and feet and other approved devices in self-defense.
• Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses or administrative violations; also detects the presence of conditions such as smoke, unusual or excessive noise, and odors. Takes photographs and obtains a legible set of inked fingerprints of arrestees, and suspects.
• Assists transit patrons to include providing information and emergency first aid including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patrols authority facilities to ensure order and prevent crime.
• Responds to calls for police matters, disaster and emergency incidents. Performs rescue functions involving accidents, emergencies and disasters. Assumes initial command; establishes a command post and implements the Incident Command System; may act as On-Scene Commander until such time that a higher-ranking official arrives on scene.
• Performs crisis prevention, including counseling, suicide prevention, recognizing abnormal behavior and taking appropriate action.
• Reviews and comprehends both legal and non-legal documents, including the processing of such documents as medical instructions, commitment orders, summons and other legal writs. May be required to conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views and opinions of criminal defendants, suspects, arrestees and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations, and does filing by alphabetizing and labeling. Gathers information in criminal and administrative investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants and exercises independent judgement in determining when probable cause exists to recommend arrest, warrants or disciplinary action is required. Testifies in court relative to specific findings as required.
• Pursues fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations and other duties which may involve quickly entering and exiting secured areas, lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects, climbing up and down elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, crawling in confined areas, and using body force to gain entrance.
• Performs searches of people, vehicles (buses, trains, cars, etc.) mail, items objects capable of concealing contraband. Engages in tasks to include foot patrolling, and physically inspecting buildings, stations, doors, elevators, windows, bus divisions, service yards and other areas to ensure they are secure.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Personal interview
• Review of a current motor vehicle report
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.