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Police Officer

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration

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 VAs nationwide security, preparedness, and law enforcement operations with primary focus on protective and investigative services at VA Healthcare System.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/12/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 12, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$65,778 - $85,511 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 6
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBTF-12976375-26-PB
Control number
871682800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

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Duties

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Major Duties include but not limited to:

  • Performs a wide variety of duties encompassing investigations and enforcing federal, state, and local laws pertaining to violations on government property and federally controlled assets. Investigates suspicious packages and people which may involve searches and seizures. Captures audio and visual evidence. Prepare final reports of the investigation, including the application of rules of evidence to substantiate conclusions and make recommendations to various parties on administrative actions to be taken.
  • Investigates suspected instances of noncompliance with laws, rules, policy, regulations, executive orders, or other mandatory regulatory requirements by individuals or organizations. Monitors until all corrective action(s) and investigations have been completed. Determines facts, research investigative reports and documentation, obtains evidence, assessments, and evaluations, and performs other investigative tasks.
  • Conducts long- and short-term investigations when solutions cannot be achieved during a normal patrol shift. Conducts long-term investigations (several days to several weeks) to detect and apprehend individuals committing acts of violence, theft of Federal or personal property, for violating laws concerning controlled substances.
  • Evaluates crime prevention programs and recommending changes to reduce opportunities for theft, assault, illegal entry, or other kinds of violations. Develop and following leads, taking statements, and otherwise gathering bits of information and facts. Analyzes facts to identify suspects and develop case information for use in pressing charges and bringing suspects to trial. Coordinates with U.S. and other prosecuting attorneys on case development and plans to perform arrests and prosecutions.
  • Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to gather facts or evidence for use in assigned cases. Conducts investigations and resolving crimes such as theft, burglary, robbery and possession of illegal substances. Uses a variety of investigative procedures and techniques to develop and follow leads, interview witnesses and suspects, takes statements, obtain search warrants, gather information and facts, plan and conduct stakeouts, analyze facts to identify suspects.
  • Develop case information, coordinate investigations with other law enforcement agencies. Assignments may require the employee to perform investigations extending for periods of time beyond a single shift and to ascertain interrelationships with other cases and/or law enforcement agencies that may affect the methods and procedures used. Work typically involves extensive investigative responsibilities and assignments that vary frequently in the nature of cases handled.
  • Decisions made vary according to the nature of a perceived threat from demonstrators or anticipated terrorist actions, by the nature of hazards imposed by local terrain and/or weather or other conditions that affect lighting and communications, and the ability to observe or pursue violators. Conducts investigations, apprehensions, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the US, protection, and transport of U.S. officials.
  • Conducts investigations with a nexus to VA, prisoner transports, patient search and recovery, life-saving efforts, disaster response and recovery, asset protection during transit, training, and other matters. Identifies and preserves evidence, writes comprehensive incident reports, prepares case files, and testifies in court as it pertains to enforcing laws and regulations.
  • Provides services routinely at all segments of VA facilities located over large geographical areas, some of which may be in different states, counties, municipalities, or townships. Performs certain elements of the work away from Departmental properties when consistent with Federal law, regulation, VA policy, and operational guidance. Investigations involve searching crime scenes for clues, interviewing witnesses, following leads, analyzing and evaluating evidence, locating suspects, and making arrests.
  • Handles cases that occur within a prescribed local jurisdiction where violations are clearly within the authority of the local police force. Performs innovative investigative procedures, techniques, and methods to resolve a wide range of conditions or criminal activities which typically require conducting extensive research; interviewing, planning, observing, conducting stakeout operations; and executing investigative techniques.

Work Schedule: Shift work to include weekends and holidays.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Police Officer/PD99926S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in 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.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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 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, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922 (g) (9). ApplicantsMust qualify to be issued a firearm and 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, such as separation from family who are difficult, hostile or distressed. Investigators also may witness drowning, vehicle accidents, and other tragedies. VA Police Officers are occasionally exposed to people who carry infectious diseases.
  • 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. In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant/employee. A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if the condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the position. For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position.
  • VA Police Officers may be expected to continue irregular duty hours either at the Medical Center, local police offices, or at court especially during investigations of serious criminal incidents. This type of working schedule may negatively affect or burden family responsibilities.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/12/2026.

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience that provided knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property. Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills. Must have Law Enforcement experience with arrest authority; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills.

GS-06 Police Officer:
  • Specialized Experience: Applicant must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service (or equivalent pay band),that provided a knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and 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.

Physical Demands: Much of the work involves on-site work requiring prolonged walking over flat and even surfaces, working in confined spaces, crouching, bending, crawling, standing, and climbing. The work requires outside exposure to all temperatures and loud noises. Also requires moderate to arduous physical exertion and possible exposure to personal danger, that may include apprehending and physically restraining subjects.

Work Environment: Some work is performed in an adequately lit and climate-controlled office. The position requires exposure to varying climate and environmental conditions, including cold and warm weather conditions and/or exposure to high noise levels and dangerous substances. Appropriate safety practices will always be utilized.

Travel: The position may require 10% or more travel away from the office.

Motor Vehicle Operation: The incumbent must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment and be available for frequent travel.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

"Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care".

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration: Qualified applicants will be referred in the following order

  1. Career Transition (CTAP, ICTAP & RPL)
  2. The public
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Arrest
  • Attention to Detail
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Decision Making
  • First Response
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Security
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

Agency contact information

Prudence Barrett
Phone
(410) 691-7310 X47310
Email
Prudence.Barrett@va.gov
Address
VA Maryland Health Care System
10 North Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
US

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