Metro Transit Police Officer

The Metro Transit Police Officer protects the life, safety and welfare of transit patrons and employees, and enforces laws and regulations, Join the Metro Transit Police Department and Serve with Purpose!

Are you ready to protect the safety and welfare of transit patrons while advancing your career? As a Metro Transit Police Officer, you will uphold the law, investigate crimes, and make a tangible difference in our community. With full arrest powers in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, you'll have the authority to protect and serve across the region.

Why Choose Us?

-Professional Growth: Our officer's benefit from continuous training and development, preparing them for increasing responsibilities and career advancement opportunities.

-Lateral Move Program: Having demonstrated excellence through your education, during your career and or work history, potential candidates have the opportunity to be considered for higher earnings up to $91,906. Qualified Laterals include Sworn Officers, Correctional Officers, Military and those with a Bachelor's Degree or higher education credentials. 

-Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive starting salary of $74,505, a $20K signing bonus, robust benefits package, and the security of working within a respected and stable organization.

In this dynamic, fast-paced role, you'll perform critical tasks including crime scene investigation, crisis response, patrol duties, and more. Join a team committed to ensuring safety in the community and the Metro system. 

Pre-hire Information

We're excited to share that as part of our recruitment process, the Metro Transit Police Department includes a written examination during the background evaluation phase. Good news! This requirement will be waived for lateral police officers, military veterans, and anyone with a four-year college degree.

Physical Agility Test Requirements 

We want all applicants to be prepared and confident! Our physical agility test is designed to ensure you're ready for the demands and essential functions of the job. To follow are details for the Physical Agility assessment.

• Complete a 1.5-mile run in 17 minutes and 54 seconds
• Do 12 push-ups in 1 minute
• Complete 23 sit-ups in 1 minute

Looking forward to seeing you succeed!

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.

BranchMOS/SOC and/or Military FunctionUS Air ForceSecurity Forces, Combat Control, Combat Rescue Officer, Pararescue, Tactical Air Control Party Specialist, Special OperationsUS Army11B, 11C, 18B, 31B, 31KUS Marine Corps5800,5811, 5812, 5813, 5814, 5816, 5819US Navy001509, 002650, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2099, 90IT, 90IU, 90MP, 9545, MA Master-At-ArmsUS Coast Guard741

The Metro Transit Police Officer protects the 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.

Principal Job Duties

Other Duties

Twelve (12) months after an employee achieves a particular grade level (i.e. Grades D, C, B, A and AA), he/she shall advance to the next grade level provided he/she has taken and passed the required written and practical test(s), acquired the applicable certifications and has met the other requirements.

• Investigates crimes or incidents, preserves evidence, identifies witnesses and protects the crime scene pending the arrival of investigating officer(s) and supervising official(s).
• 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.
• Assists transit patrons to include providing information and emergency first aid including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patrols Authority facilities to ensure order and prevent crime.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 and 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.
• 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.
• Performs crisis prevention, including counseling, suicide prevention; recognizing abnormal behavior and taking appropriate action.
• 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.

• 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.

The functions 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.

Responsibilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of modern methods, procedures and practices of police science crime prevention applicable to a transit environment and mass transportation operations
• Knowledge of the state of Maryland (MD), the commonwealth of Virginia (VA) and the District of Columbia (DC) laws pertaining to apprehension, arrest and the use of firearms
• Knowledge of Federal and local/jurisdictional laws, privacy laws, statues, regulations and court procedures affecting police work within the Authority
• Knowledge of basic first aid techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Skills

• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

Abilities

• Ability to work under pressure, make decisions and take appropriate action in otherwise stressful situations
• Ability to make forcible arrest, carry weapons, and when necessary, use force and possibly “deadly force”
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work variable hours during inclement weather, and when necessary, works extended tours of duty

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required

• Police equipment such as firearm and radio

Supervisory Responsibility

• Skilled in general reasoning to analyze situations quickly and objectively determine a proper to a proper course of action
• Skilled in operating special type motor vehicles as required
• Skilled in communications to exchange information with supervisor, co-workers and others to include legal settings
• Skilled in the use of firearms

|Not responsible for supervising others.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

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

Minimum Experience

• Maybe 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 beat least 21 years old on date of appointment. This is the entry level.

Minimum Certification/Licensure

• Valid driver's license from jurisdiction of residence

Preferred Qualifications

About Us

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation’s busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.

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:

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

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, 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.