Benefits and Compensation

• Police Officers earn a starting salary of $73,112 - $134,165. (An officer’s salary varies, depending on his/her experience.)
• Overtime is compensated at the rate of 1–1/2 times your hourly rate.
• Night shift is paid at an additional 10% of the hourly rate.
• Sunday premium is paid at 25% of base salary.
• Annual leave is earned for total service at a rate of 13 days during the first three years, 20 days for 3-plus years to 15 years, 26 days for 15-plus years.
• Sick leave is earned at a rate of 13 days per year, regardless of years of service, 10 paid holidays annually.
• A government retirement program and Thrift Savings Plan are available.
• Medical and dental insurance, as well as long–term care insurance, are offered.
• Police officers may qualify for National Capital Region's transit benefit program.
• Uniforms, laundry, and equipment are furnished at no cost to the officer.
• A world-class, onsite fitness center is provided free of charge.                

Once you have successfully completed all phases of your recruit training and have the required time-in-grade, you may apply for specialized training and assignments in the following areas.

For questions about employment with the PFPA, contact our Recruiting Office at 703-571-8000 or email us.
 

Recruitment incentives 

These incentives may be authorized for applicants who have graduated from one of the following: (1) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Uniformed Police Training Program (FLETC/UPTP), (2) U.S. Army Military Police School (USAMPS), (3) Veterans Administration Civilian Police Officer Course, or (4) any other 400-hour Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) accredited basic police academy. Recruitment incentives may be considered based on the availability of funds and in accordance with regulatory requirements. The incentive requires a four-year service agreement; incentive will be paid as an initial lump-sum payment at the beginning of the service period. (Note: Eligibility for recruitment incentive is limited to "Newly appointed" Federal employees as defined by 5 CFR 575.102)."

Relocation Incentive 

Applicants who are current Federal employees, have graduated one of the above training programs, and are willing to relocate to the National Capital Region may be eligible for a $20,000 relocation incentive. The incentive requires a four-year service agreement; incentive will be paid as an initial lump-sum payment at the beginning of the service period. (Note: Eligibility for relocation incentive is limited to an employee of the Federal Government immediately before the relocation (See 5 CFR 575.205(a)). In addition to establishing a residence in the new geographic location before the payment of a relocation incentive, an employee must maintain a residence in the new geographic location for the duration of the service agreement.

Hiring Process

1. Application: All candidates must apply via the USAJobs.gov portal. You must create a profile and upload a federal-style resume along with supporting documents like transcripts or a DD-214.
2. Initial Invite: Qualified applicants receive an email invitation with specific instructions for the next testing phases.
3. Physical Ability Test (PAT): Candidates undergo a high-intensity evaluation, which includes a 1.5-mile run (max 17:30) and 19 push-ups in two minutes (or a dummy drag).
4. Written Examination (POST): Often scheduled on the same day as the PAT, the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) covers math, reading comprehension, grammar, and report writing.
5. Oral Board Interview: Applicants appear before a three-member panel of uniformed officers and civilian employees to assess personality and scenario-based responses.
6. Tentative Job Offer (TJO): Successful candidates receive a TJO, typically within two weeks of completing the initial assessments.
7. Background Investigation & Security Clearance: A thorough check of your personal, criminal, and financial history is conducted. Candidates must be eligible for at least a Secret security clearance.
8. Medical & Drug Screening: This includes a physical exam (vision must be correctable to 20/20), hearing test, and urinalysis for illegal drugs.
9. Firm Job Offer: Once all clearances and medical checks are cleared, a final offer is extended.
10. Training: New hires undergo a 12-week basic police training program at the 
    Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia, followed by an in-house evaluation program at the Pentagon.