Capitol Police Officer Recruit

Start your career as a Capitol Police Officer Recruit with the Capitol Police and take on meaningful work that protects the public. This entry-level role gives you the foundation needed to build strong law enforcement skills through structured training. You will join a team that values professionalism, integrity, and service to others. If you want a career that challenges you and makes a difference, this is a strong place to begin!

This position provides the training and foundational skills needed to begin a career in law enforcement with the Capitol Police. The role involves completing required coursework and hands-on learning to build the knowledge necessary for future police duties. As a Capitol Police Officer Recruit, you will perform the following duties:

• Skill Development: Participate in training on law interpretation, procedures, and police operations
• Safety Training: Learn techniques related to public safety, self-defense, and first aid
• Firearms Instruction: Practice safe and effective firearm use under supervised training
• Report Writing: Receive instruction on accurate and professional documentation practices
• Equipment Use: Train on proper maintenance and operation of police equipment

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
  • Schedule is based on HACC's (Harrisburg Area Community College) curriculum
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License.
• You must be at least 21 years of age by the completion of the MPOETC Academy.
• You must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation, truth verification exam, reading ability test, psychological evaluation, medical examination, urinalysis screening, hearing and vision screening, and a physical fitness test that includes running, swimming, strength and agility, and any other test deemed appropriate for pre-service registration.
• All employees are required to enroll in, participate, and complete the MPOETC approved Act 120 training within 27 weeks to obtain authority to exercise the power of arrest. Act 120 certification must be obtained to successfully complete the Recruit program.

Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Requirements:

• In order to participate in and complete the 919 hour training program you must have the following:
  • Have a High School Diploma or GED
  • Be a US Citizen
  • Minimum 9th grade reading level

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.