LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Police Officers with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services (OJS), can have challenging and rewarding careers in the law enforcement field.  They are highly trained individuals who investigate a wide range of criminal activity in Indian Country. 

1. Where do Police Officers Work?
2. What do Police Officers do?
3. How do I become a Police Officer?
4. Are there any special requirements?
5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
6. What benefits do Police Officers earn?

1. Where do Police Officers Work?

OJS Police Officers work on various Indian reservations located throughout the United States.  Work may include temporary travel away from a Police Officer’s duty station and home, and it may include extended travel depending on the circumstances.  Typically, applicants for these positions apply for specific locations where they are interested. 

2. What do Police Officers do?

OJS Police Officers investigate a wide range of criminal activity including homicide, rape, sexual abuse, assaults, and violations of Indian Country Tribal statutes. 

These types of investigations may include activities such as surveillance, undercover operations, affecting arrests, evidence collection, search warrant execution, interviewing, Grand Jury appearances, case preparation, and trials involving criminal defendants in both Federal and Tribal courts.

Police Officers are also involved in various activities such as special task forces combating illegal drugs, emergency operations task forces, as well as providing disaster relief and support to other agencies and departments.

3. How do I become a Police Officer?

OJS Police Officer positions are very competitive, and are highly sought after.  Every year, OJS anticipates the hiring of Police Officers at various locations.  Recruitment initiation begins with our personnel office issuing vacancy announcements, which describe the positions available and where they are located.

The announcements may be found on the Office of Personnel Management’s USAJobs website. Follow the instructions on the announcement to apply.

4. Are there any special requirements?

To qualify for these positions, applicants must meet medical, physical, and possibly psychological requirements.  Applicants will participate in mandatory drug testing, and should also anticipate psychological screening. 

A high school education or equivalent is required.  A single scope background investigation is required to determines an applicant’s suitability for these positions.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be at least 21 years of age but less then age 37 at the time of appointment.

Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license. They must be able to posses firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(G)(9)).

5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?

OJS Police Officers begin their career with 16 weeks of formal training in police and criminal investigative techniques at the Indian Police Academy.  This training includes courses in criminal law, use of force, rules of evidence, surveillance, arrest procedures, search warrant procedures, detention and arrest, use of firearms, vehicle operations, courtroom demeanor, and Indian Country law. 

This classroom study is augmented with hands-on training in photography, crime scene investigation, foot and vehicle patrol, conducting raids, interviewing suspects and witnesses, searching for evidence, and collecting evidence.  This training, and later field experience make OJS Police Officers among the best in the world.

Salaries for Police Officers begin at the GS-3/4/5/6/7/8 level.  After gaining experience in the field, some Police Officers may decide to advance their careers and apply for management/Special Agent positions.  These positions are located in various Agency Offices, and would include Chief of Police positions.  The management/Special Agent/Chief of Police selection process is competitive and can provide advancement to the GS-9 through GS-12 levels.

6. What benefits do Police Officers earn?

OJS Police Officers are covered under the enhanced annuity retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c). Retirement benefits are available with 20 years of Federal Law Enforcement service at age 50, and retirement becomes mandatory at age 57.

Police Officers may earn overtime pay, depending on where stationed.  This overtime pay is designed to compensate for additional hours worked. Additionally, locality pay may be available in certain areas.

Health and life insurance may be obtained through Federal employee programs which are also available to immediate family members.

Financial protection is provided with no out of pocket cost to the employee, in the event of a job related injury, or death.  Annual leave is accumulated at a rate of 13 to 26 days per year depending on length of employment.  Sick leave is accumulated at a rate of 13 days per year.  There are also 10 paid holidays per calendar year.  Additionally, previous Federal civilian or military service is creditable.

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