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Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence

Career Opportunities

Police Officer - Security Protective Service (SPS)

Work Schedule: Full Time
Salary: $49,123 - $52,903
(Full Performance $72,174)
Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area


It is the function of the CIA to provide timely, reliable and useful information to the President and national policymakers. Within this mission, it is the role of the Security Center to provide a comprehensive, worldwide security program that protects Agency personnel, programs, information, facilities and activities.

The CIA's Security Protective Service (SPS) is actively seeking highly qualified and motivated applicants to serve as uniformed federal police officers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The mission of the SPS is the protection of Agency personnel, facilities and information through the enforcement of Federal Laws and Agency Regulations. The Security Protective Service provides a full range of high quality security/police services through a variety of specialty units and fixed posts where officers routinely work eight-hour shifts to include weekends/holidays and may be directed to work overtime. Premium pay is compensated for working Sundays, nights and holidays. Career enhancements can be obtained by pursuing assignments in the areas of: Threat Management, K-9, Explosive Ordnance Detection, HAZMAT, Security Operations and Court Liaison.


Minimum requirements:

  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment
  • Must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; however prior military, police or security experience is preferred. An associate's or bachelor's degree, in Criminal Justice or a related field, from an accredited college or university will be accepted in lieu of extensive experience
  • Must have no record of felony convictions or domestic violence
  • Must be physically and psychologically fit

This position requires a 36-month commitment to the SPS before seeking other opportunities within the Agency. Applicants should possess excellent oral and written communication skills, have a high level of integrity and trustworthiness and strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

Training requirements: New appointees will be required to successfully complete an intensive 12 week, Uniformed Police Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia. Following graduation from FLETC, cadets will receive 5 weeks of specialized instruction at SPS training facilities. Training will include coursework in police procedures, psychology, police-community relations, criminal law, first aid, laws of arrest, search and seizure, and physical defense techniques. Officers will continue to develop their skills by attending yearly in-service training, stressing defensive tactics, legal issues, HAZMAT and CPR training and firearms proficiency.

Benefits:

Some benefits include but are not limited to:

  • Competitive Salary/Premium Pay

  • FERS Special:

Uniformed SPS personnel who are 40 years of age or younger at time of appointment are eligible for FERS Special. FERS Special allows covered employees to retire with a minimum of 20 years service at age 50 without having to serve 5 or more years overseas.

  • Annual Leave Enhancement for prior Federal civilian or military service

  • Tuition Assistance Programs

  • Uniforms and equipment are furnished and replaced at no cost to the officer

  • Reasonable relocation expenses to the Washington DC area are paid

  • Low cost life insurance and family health benefits

  • Access to fitness facilities

  • Advancement opportunities

  • Advanced training opportunities

All applicants must successfully complete thorough medical, intellectual, personality and psychological exams and interviews, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required.

To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

To Apply:

Make a note of the position(s) that interest you, as you can apply for up to four positions in one application. DO NOT submit multiple applications; this will only slow the review of your application, and delay processing. Please read the Application Instructions carefully before you begin the online application process.

Application Instructions

An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force.


Posted: Apr 21, 2007 07:14 PM
Last Updated: Jul 23, 2009 03:08 PM
Last Reviewed: Jul 23, 2009 03:08 PM