General Information

1. When am I eligible for a specialty division?
2. Can I work for the USCP while in the National Guard?
3. Can I continue my education while working for USCP?
4. Do I have to be a D.C. resident to apply?
5. Where do the majority of USCP officers live? Is there a residency requirement?
6. Is the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) extremely challenging?
7. How detailed should my personal history statement be?
8. What shifts/hours do USCP officers primarily work?
9. Will higher education increase my starting salary?
10. Where will I be assigned after training?
11. What if I have additional questions or need more information?

When am I eligible for a specialty division?

Most specialty assignment require 30 months of satisfactory performance and promotion to Private First Class (PFC). However, there are circumstances in which the probationary period requirement may be waived in an effort to address the needs of the department.

Can I work for the USCP while in the National Guard?

Absolutely! Our agency fully supports the mission of the U.S. National guard and proudly employees many officers who continue to serve.

Can I continue my education while working for USCP?

Yes! Many officers with USCP continue their education while working for our agency. Also, officers can utilize the tuition repayment program to assist with their tuition fee. 

Do I have to be a D.C. resident to apply?

NO. The USCP encourages ALL U.S. citizens who may be interested in a Federal law enforcement career to apply.

Where do the majority of USCP officers live? Is there a residency requirement?

There is no residency requirement for USCP officers. Due to the geographical location of Washington D.C., most officers choose to commute from the neighboring states (Maryland or Virginia). However, we do have officers who commute from as far as West Virginia and Delaware. As mentioned above in the “benefits” section, officers who choose to commute can utilize our agency’s “transit incentive program” to assist with the cost of public transportation.

Is the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) extremely challenging?

During the above mentioned “examination phase” we require all applicants to complete a Physical Readiness Test. The test consists of a 1.5 mile run, 300 meter sprint, and push-up event. We understand the anxiety associated with this task, and encourage ALL applicants to show up and give maximum effort. More often than not, maximum effort and the willingness to COMPLETE each event puts applicants in a position to move forward in our process.

How detailed should my personal history statement be?

Completing your personal history statement (PHS) is one of the most IMPORTANT tasks in our process. Your (PHS) should be as DETAILED and ACCURATE as possible. Applicants who purposely withhold information that they believe may be detrimental to their application will be DISQUALIFIED. Integrity is the cornerstone of the law enforcement profession and so it is important to be truthful and forthcoming in all information submitted.

What shifts/hours do USCP officers primarily work?

The overwhelming majority of USCP officers work a 5 day on 2 day off schedule with the majority of the shifts being (7a-3p) (3p-11p) or (11p-7a). Moreover, there are some division/assignments that differ from those mentioned above.

Will higher education increase my starting salary?

All sworn USCP officers will begin at the same base pay level regardless of education. However, academic accomplishments work to the officer’s benefit when applying for specialty divisions and during the promotional process.

Where will I be assigned after training?

After graduation officers initial assignment will be determined by the needs of the department. Officers will be assigned to shifts or divisions in need of increased manpower. However, multiple times per year officers get the opportunity to change their shift/division/hours through our “officer voluntary reassignment program.

What if I have additional questions or need more information?

Anyone who has questions or needs additional information should contact USCP recruiting at 202-593-4252, 1800-561-USCP or email us at recruiting@uscp.gov