One of the most important things we do at MPD is to select the right candidates to become police officers. We invest in the best training and reward our officers with competitive pay and benefits for a career that may span decades.
Becoming a Police Officer
Whether you are a veteran officer or a new recruit, making a difference every day in the community is reason to wear the uniform. At MPD, you will partner with and learn from some of the finest officers in the nation, while having a direct impact on the nation’s capital.
As one of the 10 largest police departments in the United States, we are dedicated to giving our officers the ongoing training and tools they need for a long and fulfilling law enforcement career. We work to maintain a highly trained, technically advanced, professional force where respect, teamwork and camaraderie are our culture.
If you are a former MPD officer who left in good standing, and you are interested in returning, you should email a reinstatement request letter to [email protected].
Early Acceptance:
Graduating college or transitioning out of the military soon? Great news, now you can apply for early acceptance, and reserve your spot in an upcoming recruit class!
Who Can Apply?
- Students in their last semester of a 60-semester hour program at a recognized college or university.
-
Students in the last six months of their bachelor's degree program.
-
Military members in their last six months of active military service.
Qualifications:
Must have one of the following:
- Successfully completed at least 60 semester hours of college credit with coursework in any subject from an accredited college or university*; OR
- Served in the US military, including the Organized Reserves or National Guard, for at least two years on active duty and, if separated, have received an honorable discharge; OR
- Served at least three years in a full-duty status with a full-service police department in a US state or municipality and have resigned or retired in good standing.
Candidates who do not meet one of the criteria above should check out our early acceptance options or may consider the MPD Cadet Corps (for those who are 24 or younger), which assists prospective applicants in obtaining their education to become a DC police officer.
All candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization, OR a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of application.
- Must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age to apply (must be 21 years old when appointed to officer).
- Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of application.
- Possess at least 20/100 vision, correctable to 20/30 in both eyes.
- Contacts are permitted if they have been worn for six (6) months prior to examination, or if vision correction surgery (i.e., Lasik) has occurred at least six (6) weeks prior to examination.
Please find the list of automatic disqualifiers here.
* If you have a degree (or credits) from a college or university outside of the United States, you need to have your degree evaluated from a member organization of one of two national associations of credential evaluation services. The national associations below are comprised of multiple credential evaluation service companies.
Application Process:
Here’s how the selection process works:
1. Complete a Prospect Day Application.
2. Attend Prospect Day where you will participate in several screening events [e.g., physical ability test, written exam, document screening, fingerprinting].
3. Candidates will complete their National Testing Network Frontline National Written Exam at Prospect Day for FREE. Candidates who have taken the exam within the past year are exempt. Candidates who take the exam before attending an MPD Prospect Day are reminded to designate MPD as their intended department.
4. Undergo a comprehensive background investigation, to be completed over a 4-to-6-month time period.
5. Take a polygraph exam.
6. Submit to a medical and psychological evaluation.
7. MPD review and decision.
Hiring preferences are given to District of Columbia residents and US military veterans.
Selected candidates for appointment as a police officer must agree to serve at least two years as a sworn member upon successful completion of the initial training program or may be required to reimburse the District for recruit training.
Pay & Benefits:
We know there are many options for serving in law enforcement. That is why we offer among the most competitive pay and benefits packages in the region.
The annual starting salary for police officers is $66,419; after successful completion of the 18-month probationary period, members earn $72,668; after 5 years of service, members earn $88,327. Recruits begin earning their full salary upon entering the Academy. A top step officer can earn an annual salary of $110,478. Officers who work the evening tour of duty receive a three percent pay differential. Officers working the midnight shift receive a four percent differential.
Financial Benefits:
- $25k Hiring Bonus – All new hires will receive $15,000 when they begin their academy training as an initial hiring bonus. Upon successful completion of the academy, all new hires will receive an additional $10,000 at time of academy graduation. Please also note that an existing two year obligated service agreement is required from time of graduation. Members who resign from the Department prior to the expiration of the service agreement will be required to repay the hiring bonus.
- Defined Benefit Plan.
- Language Stipend Program – Police officers who are certified as fluent in any language other than English, including American Sign Language, receive a $50 stipend per pay period approximately an extra $1,300 per year. To qualify for the stipend, members must pass a certification test administered by an outside contractor.
- Shift Differential – Members are entitled to pay at their scheduled rate plus a differential of 3% for regularly scheduled non-overtime work when the majority of their work hours occur between 3 p.m. and midnight; 4% of their scheduled rate if the majority of their work hours occur between 11 pm and 8 am.
Pension:
- As a new hire, you are automatically enrolled in the Police and Firefighters’ Retirement Plan granting you a life-time annuity for yourself and your survivor after just 25 years of creditable MPD service and at any age. This optional retirement benefit is estimated to be 62.5% of your highest consecutive 3-year average base pay (at 25 years of service only, other percentages based on increased service years will slightly vary).
- Your annual gross retirement benefit formula is 2.5% x your highest consecutive 3-year average base pay x your years of creditable service. For every year you stay work after 25 years, 2.5% is added to the calculation. The maximum benefit payable under the Plan is 80% of your consecutive 3-year average base pay. Unused sick leave is added to your service credit to calculate your benefit, but it is not used to determine your eligibility to retire or your eligibility to receive longevity pay.
- Example: Officer Smith joined MPD at 21 and served for 25 years. Officer Smith can retire at the age of 46 and will earn an annual gross benefit equal to 2.5% x his highest consecutive 3-year average base pay x 25 years of creditable service. For this example, let’s say the average of 36 months of the consecutive highest salary is $100,000. In retirement, Officer Smith will earn $62,500.00 (=.025 x $100,000 x 25) per year.
- For full details, and to learn more about special circumstances, please review the Police Officers and Firefighters' Summary Plan Description.
- To complete your own retirement estimates, please visit the DCRB Retirement Benefit Calculator at http://0415641.netsolhost.com/calc/dcrbcalc/
Housing Benefits:
- Temporary Housing - Paid at the GSA rate per night for two weeks from a hotel in Washington, DC. To qualify, you must live more than 50 miles away from Washington, DC. MPD has made arrangements with local hotels to assist new-hires who need assistance locating accommodations. Please note that if you use the Temporary Housing benefit, that amount is deducted from the total Recruit Rental Assistance $6,000 benefit.
- Housing Assistance - Rental assistance of $1000 a month for 6 months for a residence in DC up to $6000. If you use the Temporary Housing benefit, that amount is deducted from this total $6000 benefit.
- Am I eligible?: All police recruits are eligible to sign up from this benefit during their first three months of employment with MPD. All recruits commit to staying with MPD for two years after they complete their 6-month training program at MPD’s Metropolitan Police Academy. Participation in the Recruit Housing Allowance Incentive Program requires recruits to commit to staying with MPD an extra six months (for a total of two and a half years) after they graduate from the academy.
- How can I apply?: Program participation requires a completed application and signed lease agreement for a residence in the District of Columbia. You can get an application and more information by contacting the Recruiting Division by email [email protected].
- Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) - The Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) offers eligible District government employees a deferred, 0% interest loan and a matching funds grant for down payment and closing costs to purchase their first single family home, condominium, or cooperative unit in the District.
- The Metropolitan Police Housing Assistance Program (HPAP) - The Metropolitan Police Housing Assistance Program (MPHAP) provides police officers in the District of Columbia with financial assistance and other incentives to become first-time homeowners in Washington, DC. To learn more, please visit: https://dhcd.dc.gov/page/hpap-eligibility-how-apply-and-program-details
To learn more about MPD's current housing programs, please visit here.
Educational Benefits:
- Tuition Reimbursement – MPD offers $4,800 per calendar year in tuition reimbursement assistance for ongoing education.
- Training – MPD hosts a wide variety of training options for members to include annual Professional Development Training. MPD also endorses and sponsors members to attend external training opportunities, to include degree baring programs.
Leave Benefits:
- Annual Leave (Note: prior credited lateral time is applied for annual leave accrual).
- < 3 years = 13 days of annual leave per year (4 hours per pay period).
- 3 < 15 years = 20 days of annual leave per year (6 hours per pay period).
- 15+ years = 26 days of annual leave per year (8 hours per pay period).
- Paid Holidays – 11 paid holidays per year.
- Sick Leave – 13 days of sick leave per year (4 hours per pay period).
- DC Family and Medical Leave Act (DCFMLA) – The DCFMLA allows for up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave in any 24-month period for employees who are physically unable to work because of a serious medical condition (including maternity) or other specified reason. Documentation is required.
- Paid Family Leave – District of Columbia Government employees may receive up to eight (8) weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Other Benefits:
- DC College Savings Plan – The DC College Savings Plan is a Section 529 plan created to help families prepare for the substantial cost of higher education. The plan offers special tax advantages that enable participants to maximize their savings potential.
- Dental & Vision Coverage – Excellent dental and vision coverage through plans negotiated for the rank and file by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
- Employer-Assisted Housing Program – The Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) offers eligible District government employees a deferred, 0% interest loan and a matching funds grant for down payment and closing costs to purchase their first single family home, condominium, or cooperative unit in the District.
- Fitness Centers – Each police district is equipped with a fitness facility, which can be accessed 24/7 at no cost to the member.
- Health & Life Insurance - explore plans here.
- Metropolitan Police Employee Assistance Program (MPEAP) – MPEAP is a free confidential counseling program for police officers, police officials and family members.
- Savings Plans (457b) – The 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan is one piece of a retirement program designed to supplement a member’s retirement savings.
- Uniforms and Equipment – Required equipment is provided at no cost to the member.
- Union Coverage – All sworn officers and sergeants are covered by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
- Overtime Compensation – Police officers may earn additional compensation for duty performed beyond the FLSA threshold.
Career Advancement:
Investigative Opportunities: As the sixth largest police department in the United States, we have hundreds of detectives. After three years as a DC Police Officer, you are eligible to participate in the Detective selection process.
Upward Mobility: After four years, you are eligible to participate in the promotional process to become a sergeant. After two years as a sergeant, you can participate in the promotional process to become a lieutenant.
Specialized Units: We have 30+ specialized units. After three years, you are eligible to apply to join a specialized unit such as K9, Harbor Patrol, Motors, Air Support, Emergency Response Team, and many more.
FAQs:
What are the requirements to join MPD as a police officer? Do I qualify?
- You must be at least 20 1/2 years of age or older (21 years of age at time of appointment)
- Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization, OR a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have completed 60 college credits; or you must have 2 years of active duty military with an honorable discharge (if applicable); or you must have 3 years of prior police (full service department) experience from a US police agency
I have a degree (or credits) from a college or university outside of the United States, what should I do?
You need to have your degree evaluated from a member organization of one of two national associations of credential evaluation services. The national associations below are comprised of multiple credential evaluation service companies. The Metropolitan Police Department does not endorse or recommend any specific companies.
- National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE)
Are MPD members required to live in DC?
No, there are no restrictions on residency. Each MPD officer is responsible for reporting to work on time regardless of where they live.
How are MPD Police Officers compensated?
The Metropolitan Police Department offers one of the most competitive pay and benefits packages in the region. The annual starting salary for police officers is $66,419; and after successful completion of the 18-month probationary period members earn $72,668. Recruits begin earning their full salary upon entering the Academy. A top step officer can earn an annual salary of $110,478.
I speak more than one language. How can this benefit me?
Yes, MPD has a language stipend program. Police officers who are certified as fluent in any language other than English, including American Sign Language, receive a $50 stipend per pay period approximately an extra $1,300 per year. To qualify for the stipend, members must pass a certification test administered by an outside contractor.
How long is the selection process from the time I apply to the time I am hired?
Our streamlined process is much shorter than many agencies, the average time being 2-3 months! The process depends on various factors (i.e. the number of times an applicant has moved, the number of different states an applicant has lived in, or work history. The time for background investigations varies by individual.
What is the Written Examination at Prospect Day?
The written examination is the National Testing Network's FrontLine Exam (NTN) which includes: a video-based human relations test, a reading ability test and a report writing test. Testing takes approximately 2-4 hours.
Where is the academy located?
The Academy is located at 4665 Blue Plains Drive SW, Washington, DC.
When is the next academy class?
Academy classes are held monthly.
When in the Academy, do I live there?
The MPD Academy is not residential. However, the Recruit Rental Assistance Program is designed to assist new police officers in their move to Washington, D.C.
How long is the academy training?
MPD's Academy includes approximately 24 weeks of intensive academic and physical skills training to include: legal aspects of policing, policies of the Metropolitan Police Department and tactical training.
Will I start getting paid while in the Academy?
Yes, you will begin earning your full salary upon entering the Academy.
Do I need prior law enforcement training?
No, MPD will train participants with the skills needed to perform their duties.
Where will I be assigned?
At the conclusion of your academy training, you will be assigned to one of the seven patrol districts. You will be provided an opportunity to request the District you would like to go to, but the final decision will be based on the needs of the department.
How do I become a detective, Sergeant, ERT member, K9 member, or a member of another type of specialized unit?
Each specialized unit has different requirements including the length of time in the department. For example:
- To apply for specialized units, such as ERT and K9, you must have three years of patrol experience before applying.
- To become a detective, you must have three years of patrol experience before taking the detective exam.
- To become a sergeant, you must have four years before taking the promotional exam.
Constant hard work and dedication to the job along with a high degree of self-motivation will serve those who seek promotion.
When can I retire?
Sworn members are eligible for retirement after 25 years of service with MPD at any age.
Pre-Employment Written Testing:
As part of MPD’s entry-level police officer selection process, all candidates must take and pass, the National Testing Network’s written exam - FrontLine National. All candidates will take the NTN written exam at Prospect Day for FREE.