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Police Officer Academy Training

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In developing its professional staff, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) empowers individuals to reach their full potential, ensuring professional growth and career opportunities within the Department.

Trainees begin their classes and training immediately upon hire, while receiving full pay and are appointed to the rank of Private. Generally, the first week of training will consist of orientation at the Capitol Police Training Academy in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Next, trainees typically will participate in 12 weeks of intensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia.

Training covers such areas as:

  • Officer Safety and Survival
  • Communications and Interviewing
  • Constitutional and Federal Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Arrest Techniques
  • Defensive Tactics
  • Drugs of Abuse
  • Terrorism
  • VIP Protection
  • Physical Security
  • Firearms
  • Tactics for Flying Armed
  • Driver Training
  • Physical Fitness

​After graduating from FLETC, trainees will return to the United States Capitol Police Training Academy in Cheltenham, Maryland, for 13 weeks of specialized training. Graduates from the Academy are appointed to the rank of Private with Training and next are assigned to an experienced training officer in the field to continue their skills development through on-the-job experience.

In addition to the USCP Physical Abilities Test (PAT), the physical training while attending the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the United States Capitol Police Training Academy will include cardiovascular (aerobic and anaerobic) and muscular (strength and endurance) conditioning. The primary methods used will be running (both sprints and distance), weight resistance, and calisthenics. All trainees will be required to fully participate in all physical training activities.

For more information about the PAT, please visit here.

USCP Police Officer Selection Process and Physical Readiness Test

More information on the USCP Police Officer selection process and how to prepare for the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) may be found here.