Police Officer

Summary This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Office of Operations - Security and Preparedness (OSP) - Police Service and is responsible for VA nationwide security, preparedness, and law‑enforcement operations with primary focus on protective and investigative services at VA Healthcare System. Qualifications To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement – 07/27/2026. For the GS‑6 position you must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑5 grade level in the Federal service (or equivalent pay band). That experience must reflect a knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law‑enforcement operations, practices, and techniques, and it must have involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property. Specialized experience includes maintaining order to protect life and property; taking initial complaints; interviewing witnesses; securing a crime scene and conducting limited searches; responding to emergency situations; gathering information and preparing reports; conducting routine patrol, traffic control, and traffic accident investigations. At this level police work must have included investigative work—patrolling assigned area(s) to enforce laws and ordinances, regulating traffic, controlling crowds, preventing crimes, and/or arresting violators. Experience as a security guard or corrections officer is generally not qualifying. Applicants must provide detailed documentation of their experience in the resume, including job title, duties, month & year start/end dates, and hours worked per week. Experience refers to paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work through National Service programs and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training that translates directly to paid employment. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, will be credited. Drivers’ License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver’s license, have a safe driving record, and be medically qualified to operate a vehicle safely. They must pass a government vehicle driver’s physical examination. Photographs of the driver’s license are not accepted, but a copy may be required at interview. Firearm Requirement: VA Police Officers must carry agency‑approved firearms while on duty on VA property. Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with agency‑approved firearms as a condition of gaining and continuing employment. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Additional Police Officer Conditions of Employment: New VA Police Officers are required to attend an 8‑week course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Satisfactory completion of this course is a condition of continued employment. Designated Drug‑Testing Position: Applicants selected for a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to an appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment. Applicants will not be appointed if a verified positive drug test is received. A medical examination is required. Duties require moderate to arduous physical exertion and/or hazardous duties. Good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and hearing conversational voice are required. Reasonable accommodation shall be considered. Applicants must be able to perform essential functions without risk to themselves or others and possess emotional and mental stability. A psychological examination is required. A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if it precludes assignment to duties or requires a restriction. Prosthesis or mechanical aid may compensate for a loss of function. A character investigation will be conducted on selected applicants to secure evidence of honesty, integrity, and loyalty to the U.S. Government. As a condition of employment, applicants must qualify to be issued a firearm and maintain a valid State or Commonwealth driver’s license. They must also pass annual physical and psychosocial assessments and semi‑annual firearm qualifications. For more information on these qualification standards—please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management’s website at Duties The Police Officer will perform a full range of police duties by following and executing rules, regulations, or procedures covering law and rules enforcement—physical and personal security operations; patrol duties; control desk duty; coordination with local courts; and/or crime prevention activities for the local jurisdiction. Conducts long and short‑term investigations to detect and apprehend individuals for violating laws. Analyzes facts to identify suspects and develop case information. Coordinates with U.S. and other prosecuting attorneys on case development to perform arrests and prosecutions. Full range of investigative work typical of Detectives. Protects the civil rights of all individuals on VA‑controlled property. Prevents, detects, and investigates crimes. Patrols assigned areas on foot or by motor vehicle. Subdues persons causing disturbance or who threaten harm to themselves or others. Follows rules and procedures concerning search and seizure of evidence and contraband. Obtains search and arrest warrants. Arrests violators. Provides basic first aid and CPR prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel. Prepares reports of activities and events that occurred during shifts. Performs traffic control. Assists citizens in emergency situations. Performs other related duties as assigned. Designated Drug‑Testing Position: Applicants selected for a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed if a verified positive drug test result is received. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts based on the needs of Police Services. Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular work hours, and extended hours if determined by the needs of the service. Candidates must be willing to be placed—detailed—or temporarily assigned to other related services and/or locations if necessary. Position Description Title/PD#: Police Officer/PD99268S. Physical Requirements: The work requires—on a regular and recurring basis—considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as running, frequent climbing of multiple flights of stairs, and carrying items weighing over 50 pounds. It requires stamina, physical agility, dexterity, and the strength to pursue, apprehend, or detain persons who are often uncooperative, assaultive, and/or armed. Work Conditions: The work involves moderate and high risks and possible endangerment of life or serious injury that requires safety precautions and use of personal protective equipment. The work is performed in settings with exposure to moderate to severe discomfort and unpleasantness, such as high temperatures in confined spaces, high temperatures due to mandatory protective equipment, or adverse weather during extended patrol duties. Work involves moderate risk, requiring safety precautions when working around hazardous materials such as toxic gases, explosives, infectious biological materials, and other moderate‑risk exposures. #J-18808-Ljbffr