Metro Transit Police Officer

About the role

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 in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. This position requires obtaining and maintaining police certification in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and involves a substantial element of personal risk.

Responsibilities

• Investigates crimes or incidents, preserves evidence, identifies witnesses, and protects crime scenes.
• Responds to calls for police matters, disaster and emergency incidents, and performs rescue functions.
• Assumes initial command during emergencies, establishes a command post, and implements the Incident Command System.
• Assists transit patrons, provides emergency first aid, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Patrols Authority facilities to ensure order and prevent crime.
• Endures verbal and mental abuse in hostile environments while restraining suspects forcibly if necessary.
• Pursues fleeing suspects and performs physically demanding tasks such as climbing, crawling, and lifting heavy objects.
• Performs searches of people, vehicles, and objects for contraband and inspects buildings, stations, and other areas for security.
• Reviews and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including medical instructions and legal writs.
• Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods.
• Performs crisis prevention, including counseling and suicide prevention.
• Prepares investigative reports, sketches, and files using appropriate grammar and computations.
• Gathers information by interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants to determine probable cause for arrests or disciplinary actions.
• Testifies in court regarding specific findings.
• Detects and collects evidence, including taking photographs and fingerprints of arrestees and suspects.
• Advances to the next grade level (Grades D, C, B, A, AA) after 12 months, provided required tests, certifications, and fitness standards are met.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Modern methods, procedures, and practices of police science and crime prevention in a transit environment.
• Laws of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia pertaining to apprehension, arrest, and use of firearms.
• Federal and local/jurisdictional laws, privacy laws, statutes, regulations, and court procedures affecting police work.
• Basic first aid techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Skills

• Promotes safety awareness and accountability while adhering to safety policies and procedures.
• Operates police equipment such as firearms and radios.
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing at all organizational levels.

Abilities

• Works under pressure, makes decisions, and takes appropriate action in stressful situations.
• Makes forcible arrests, carries weapons, and uses force, including "deadly force," when necessary.
• Works variable hours during inclement weather and extended tours of duty.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 21 years old on the date of appointment.
• Valid driver’s license from jurisdiction of residence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lateral Move Program: Candidates with demonstrated excellence through education, career, or work history may be considered for higher earnings up to $91,905. Qualified laterals include sworn officers, correctional officers, military personnel, and those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Military MOS/SOC codes or similar documented training/designations (e.g., US Air Force Security Forces, US Army 11B, US Marine Corps 5800 series, US Navy MA Master-At-Arms, US Coast Guard 741).

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary of $74,505.
• $20,000 signing bonus.
• Robust benefits package.
• Continuous training and development for career advancement.
• Lateral transfer opportunities for higher earnings.

Physical Agility Test Requirements

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

Pre-Hire Information

The written examination during the background evaluation phase is waived for lateral police officers, military veterans, and anyone with a four-year college degree.

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 MetroAccess, 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.