Police Officer

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the Baltimore VA Medical Center within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Operations, Security and Preparedness, Police Service. It supports VA-wide security, preparedness, and law enforcement operations, with a primary focus on protective and investigative services at VA health care facilities. The position performs law enforcement and investigative work on VA property and, under expanded jurisdiction, may conduct investigations nationwide on property not owned or controlled by VA.

The officer maintains a uniformed presence, enforces laws, responds to incidents, conducts investigations and security assessments, monitors alarms and communications centers, and shares intelligence with VA and other law enforcement agencies. The officer may investigate crimes and regulatory violations, collect evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, prepare reports, make arrests, coordinate with other agencies, and inspect VA facilities and worksites for compliance with physical security requirements. The position also supports special-event protection, staff training, emergency planning, vulnerability assessments, and physical security surveys.

The work schedule includes shifts, weekends, and holidays. Telework is unavailable and the position is not virtual. New officers must complete an eight-week course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, and meet ongoing medical, psychological, firearms, baton, driver, and physical assessment requirements. A one-year probationary period applies.

Requirements

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in federal service, involving basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices and techniques, and responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property.
• Qualifying specialized experience includes maintaining order; taking initial complaints; interviewing witnesses; securing crime scenes and conducting limited searches; responding to emergencies; gathering information and preparing reports; routine patrol; traffic control; and traffic accident investigations. Police work must include investigations, patrol, law enforcement, traffic regulation, crowd control, crime prevention, and/or arrests.
• Experience must be fully documented in the resume, including job title, duties, start and end month and year, and hours worked per week. Experience described only in general terms is insufficient.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted state driver's license, a safe driving record, and medical qualification to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely; pass the agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination.
• Be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, and carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property.
• Attend and satisfactorily complete the required eight-week VA Law Enforcement Training Center course in Little Rock, Arkansas.
• Complete required medical and psychological examinations and meet the position's physical and medical requirements, including good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear conversational speech.
• Qualify for an agency-issued firearm and maintain firearm qualification semi-annually; qualify annually with an expandable straight baton; maintain a valid state or Commonwealth driver's license; and pass annual physical and psychosocial assessments.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Complete the required application steps, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Pass required pre-employment drug testing and background/security and character investigations; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• Have the capacity to perform the essential functions without risk to self or others and possess emotional and mental stability.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a uniformed presence at VA facilities and interests nationwide.
• Enforce applicable laws and VA regulations, respond to incidents, and protect life and property.
• Conduct administrative and criminal investigations, including investigations of theft, burglary, robbery, illegal substances, and suspected regulatory violations.
• Investigate suspicious packages and people, conduct searches and seizures, capture audio and visual evidence, and gather and preserve evidence.
• Interview witnesses and suspects, take statements, develop investigative leads, obtain search warrants, conduct stakeouts, and analyze facts to identify suspects.
• Prepare investigation reports, apply rules of evidence to support conclusions, and recommend administrative actions.
• Monitor investigations and corrective actions through completion.
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to gather facts and evidence for assigned cases.
• Make arrests with and without warrants.
• Supervise compliance with federal medical center regulations and policies.
• Conduct inspections of VA facilities and worksites for compliance with physical security and infrastructure protection requirements.
• Inspect physical security countermeasures, including electronic access control systems, CCTV systems, intrusion alarms, and duress alarms.
• Assist with vulnerability assessments and physical security surveys.
• Monitor alarms and communications centers and share intelligence with VA and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Protect special events and train staff in prevention and emergency planning.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally, review and edit work products, participate in joint agency meetings, and make recommendations to higher authorities.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on the position type; applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for information about specific benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed