Police Officer

Summary This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - VISN 5 facility Police Service (PS). The mission of the Police Officer is to serve and protect Veterans, patients, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, visitors, and others who frequent VA facilities. Qualifications Additional Conditions of Employment: Firearms: VA Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property and must achieve and maintain qualifications/certification with the agency-approved firearms as a condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9)). Applicants must qualify to be issued a firearm and be semi‑annually with assigned firearm – annually with an expandable Straight Baton (MEB) – maintain a valid State or Commonwealth Driver's License and pass annual physical and psychosocial assessments. Medical Exam: A medical exam is required. VA Police Officers encounter people experiencing extreme poverty and personal hardship. Applicants/employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others. They must possess emotional and mental stability. A psychological examination is required. Conditions that preclude assignment to duties are disqualifying. Work Schedule: VA Police Officers may be expected to continue irregular duty hours at the medical center, local police offices, or at court, especially during investigations of serious criminal incidents. This may negatively affect family responsibilities. Specialized Experience (GS-4+): Experience that provides knowledge of basic laws, regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, techniques, and responsibilities for maintaining order and protecting life and property. Must have law enforcement experience with arrest authority. GS-06 Police Officer Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level. Duties Serves as a Police Officer carrying out responsibilities primarily on VA Departmental properties. Provides policing services in various jurisdictional environments (Exclusive, Concurrent, and Proprietorial). Understands and applies the correct enforcement rules. Operates in VA facilities across large geographic areas, which may span different states, counties, municipalities, or townships. Performs certain elements of the work outside Departmental properties when consistent with Federal law, regulation, VA policy, and operational guidance. Protects Veterans, volunteers, employees, and visitors from threats to personal safety and enforces laws and regulations. Safeguards sensitive and protected medical information from unauthorized release or use, consistent with privacy, FOIA, and HIPAA regulations. Carries firearms and other weapons; intervenes when necessary to deescalate situations and determine the amount of force. Advises individuals of their constitutional rights (Miranda, Weingarten, Garrity, etc.) and protects civil rights of persons. Conducts investigations, apprehensions, and detentions of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses, including VA prisoner transports, patient searches, life‑saving efforts, disaster response, asset protection, and training. Identifies and preserves evidence, writes incident reports, prepares case files, and testifies in court. Provides patrol in vehicles, on foot, and/or on bicycle. Detects and intervenes in criminal activity, responds to calls for assistance, and investigates incidents to mitigate further risk. Coordinates emergency response as needed. Performs drug and contraband intervention techniques and provides training on contraband identification. Serves as an integral part of the suicide prevention program, intervening to deescalate suicidal behavior and prevent suicides. Works shift schedules, including weekends and holidays. Position description includes heavy physical demands: running, climbing stairs, carrying over 50 pounds, and pursuing uncooperative or armed individuals. Work environment involves moderate to high risks with exposure to hazardous materials and extreme conditions. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs