Special Agent (Entry-Level)

U.S. Capitol Police; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Capitol Police is seeking an Entry-Level Special Agent in Washington, DC. This permanent, full-time role pays $90,853 per year and requires U.S. citizenship, a 4-year degree or 4 years of military experience, and a Top Secret/SCI clearance. A rigorous background investigation and multiple screening steps are part of the process.

Travel is up to 5% domestically and internationally. Telework is not available. The posting closes on 8/31/2026.

Qualifications

• Mandatory requirements include U.S. citizenship, age parameters, valid REAL ID driver's license, responsible driving history.
• Selective Service registration for males; polygraph, medical, criminal, credit and tax checks; fingerprinting.
• Successful completion of training and probation; background investigations; Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Protect Congress and facilities; provide protective and investigative functions within PSB.
• Coordinate security for domestic and international travel and events; protect Members of Congress and families.
• Investigate violations, collect and disseminate information, prepare reports, and conduct protective intelligence operations.

Education

4-year college degree or 4 years military experience

Job description

Overview

Special Agent (Entry-Level) – Announcement number/Req ID:req811. Closing date: 8/31/2026. Pay scale & grade: LP 03- 03. Salary: 90,853.00 - 90,853.00PA. Job series: 0083. Appointment type: Permanent. Work schedule: Full-Time.

Locations: Washington, DC20001. 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.

Duties

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 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, 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, to include allegations of criminal activity, terroristic activity, and threats or unusual interests against Members of Congress and other statutory protectees of Congress in the USCP jurisdiction.

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, coordinate security arrangements for domestic and international travel through advance security surveys and on-the-ground protection; provide personal security for Members of Congress and their families; visiting officials of foreign, Federal, state, and local governments; and other congressional visitors. Provide protective coverage for congressional events such as hearings and sessions. ID Special Agents - investigate criminal and terroristic activity, collect and disseminate information, prepare and disseminate written reports and investigations bulletins, perform protective intelligence operations, coordinate with other USCP officers and outside agency officials, conduct surveillance and countersurveillance, and represent the USCP in meetings.

Travel required: 5% travel for 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. You will be asked to provide additional information during the selection process. An Authorization for Release form and Personal History Statement (PHS) will be required for pre-employment screening. A review of credit, criminal history, and driving record will be conducted. ESOPH is used to manage background investigations. You will receive an email with instructions.

Qualifications

The Initial Assessment Phase consists of two components: Orientation Session and Written Exam (POST). A passing score of at least 70% must be obtained in each section. The Orientation and POST require a video conferencing system. All online portions require a desktop or laptop computer. Applicants who complete the Initial Assessment may be offered a Conditional Offer and enter the Examination Phase, which includes psychological, medical, and polygraph examinations, and a field background investigation. The final phase includes a full background investigation, including employment history and references.

Mandatory requirements include U.S. citizenship, age parameters, valid REAL ID driver's license, responsible driving history, Selective Service registration for males, travel for assessments at applicant's expense, polygraph, medical, criminal, credit, and tax checks, and successful completion of training and probation. Minimum qualifications include U.S. citizenship, age 21-39 (with later retirement provisions), 4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience, valid driver’s license, clean criminal history, credit checks, Selective Service registration, fingerprinting, extensive background investigation, and firearm eligibility. Certain disqualifiers apply for USCP employment (e.g., felonies, domestic violence, DUI/DWI, disqualifying drug use, dishonorable discharge).

Education: 4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience is required.

Additional Information

The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $90,853. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life and long-term care insurance; Thrift Savings Plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; Student Loan Repayment up to $10,000 annually up to $80,000; sick leave transfer; leave accrual; transit subsidy; fitness centers and training facilities. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The USCP is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal laws. FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT: This position is non-exempt from the FLSA.

Education

4-year college degree or 4 years of military experience is required.

Required Documents

1) Resume and 2) Transcripts to support proof of 4-year degree or DD-214 or other appropriate military discharge papers.

Agency Contact Information

Police Officer Recruitment, OCAO-Office of Human Resources, 119 D Street NE. Email: [e-mail]