Join MPD FAQs

Overview 1

• What positions are available?

Virtual Hiring Process 5

• Due to the COVID-19 crisis, is MPD still hiring?
• How long will I have to take the NTN after I receive instructions from my background investigator?
• How long will it take to hear back from my background investigator once I email my packet?
• How do I take the National Testing Network (NTN) exam?
• Will I have to come to DC to take the NTN test? Can I take it from home?

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, is MPD still hiring? 0

Apply Today 1

• As a police officer...

Qualifications 6

• Do I qualify?
• Are MPD members required to live in D.C.?
• I don't qualify, what other options are there?
• Does MPD have a maximum age limit?
• Do I need to reside in the District of Columbia in order to be an MPD police officer?

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Benefits 7

• Does MPD offer a Tuition Reimbursement program?
• I speak more than one language. Can I get more money?
• Are there any rental assistance programs?
• What type of leave do MPD employees receive?
• Do officers have to pay for their uniform/equipment?

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Process 21

• What is the process to join as a police officer?
• How long is the background investigation process?
• How many times do I have to report to D.C. in-person?
• Is there a cost to take the test?
• If I already have a security clearance, do I still need a background check?

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Training / Academy 11

• When is the next academy class?
• While in the Academy do I live there?
• Where is the Academy located?
• What type of training happens in the Academy?
• How long is the academy training?

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Compensation 6

• How much will I be paid?
• When can I retire?
• When will I be paid?
• Does MPD help to pay for expenses or defray costs of travel and/or any other expenses?
• Will I be paid more for having a degree?

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Sworn Suitability 5

• Does MPD have a tattoo policy?
• Does MPD have any health/fitness standards to apply?
• I have an arrest on my record, am I eligible to become a police officer?
• I have done drugs. Can I still be an MPD police officer?
• What is the body fat percentage for males and females?

Retirement 0

Military Transition 5

• I am in the military, can I start the process of applying to become an MPD police officer if I have not yet received my DD-214?
• I am currently active duty in the military, when should I apply?
• Does MPD honor Military Service Commitments?
• What happens if I have to leave the academy for Military Training?
• Are veteran preference points calculated into the exam?

Learn More 1

• Learn More about becoming a Police Officer

Apply Today 1

• As a lateral law enforcement officer...

Qualifications 3

• How many years of law enforcement experience must I have to be considered a Lateral Law Enforcement Officer?
• How will it be determined if I am eligible to become a lateral law enforcement officer?
• Who determines my lateral law enforcement officer service?

Benefits 0

Process 3

• Process Questions
• Will I have the opportunity to qualify with the same sidearm I qualified with from my prior agency?
• Can I get study material before I enter the academy?

Training / Academy 4

• Will there be college equivalent credits earned after completion of the Lateral Law Enforcement Officer Program?
• How many years are required to apply with specialized units within MPD?
• Will my experience determine where and how I’m assigned with MPD?
• As a lateral officer will I have to attend the entire 24 week police training academy?

Compensation 2

• Will I be able to transfer my leave accumulated from my prior agency?
• Will I have the opportunity to negotiate my starting salary based on my law enforcement experience?

Suitability 0

Retirement Questions 10

• Does MPD have a mandatory age retirement?
• Will I receive retirement credit for prior lateral service?
• What is lateral law enforcement officer service?
• What retirement plan is available to lateral hires?
• When can I retire?

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Learn More 1

• Learn More About Becoming a Lateral Law Enforcement Officer

Apply Today 1

• As a professional staff employee...

General Questions 3

• Learn more about Professional Staff Positions at MPD
• Do MPD Professional Staff Employees receive any health benefits?
• Where do I apply for professional staff employment?

Apply Today 1

• As a police cadet...

Requirements 1

• What are the requirements to join the Cadet Corps?

Benefits 1

• What benefits do the Cadets receive?

Learn More 1

• Learn more about the MPD Cadet Program

Apply Today 1

• As a reserve police officer (volunteer)...

Qualifications 1

• How do I know if Reserve Corps is right for me?

Benefits 5

• Do Reserve Officers receive the same equipment as MPD Officers?
• Are there any differences in the uniform that Reserve members wear?
• Can Reserve members drive MPD vehicles and use other Department resources?
• What if I am injured on the job as a Reserve Officer?
• Does MPD provide insurance or other benefits in case I am hurt while volunteering?

Process 0

Training / Academy 4

• When is the next Academy class?
• Can Reserve Officers request a location preference?
• When does the Reserve Police Academy start?
• What is the culture like within the Reserve Corps?

Expenses 3

• Are there any formal expenses to join the Reserve Corps?
• What are the expenses associated with becoming a volunteer officer?
• Does MPD reimburse Reserve Officers for anything?

Suitability 0

Responsibilties 7

• Do Reserve Officers have to fulfill court appearances?
• Are Reserve Officers actual sworn members of MPD?
• What kind of culture does the Reserve Corps cultivate?
• How often do I have to serve if I join the Reserve Corps?
• Do I have to testify if I make an arrest? I have a full-time job that would make it difficult to appear during the day.

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Learn More 1

• Learn more about becoming a Reserve Police Officer

Apply Today 1

• As a volunteer / domestic violence liaison (volunteer)...

Learn More 1

• Learn more about the Citizen Volunteer Program

Apply Today 1

• As a collegiate intern...

Qualifications 2

• Is a car required for this internship?
• Do I have to be a Washington, DC resident to participate in the internship?

Benefits 2

• Why should I choose an internship with MPD?
• Can I receive credit for completing the MPD Collegiate Internship Program?

Process 0

Compensation 1

• Is the MPD Collegiate Internship Program paid?

Suitability 2

• I have used illegal drugs in the past. Am I eligible to apply?
• What does the background check consist of?

Program Questions 5

• What kind of work will I do as an intern with the MPD?
• I want to be a police officer when I graduate from school. Will I be able to participate in ride-alongs as part of my internship?
• I don’t know what I want to do for a career. Will this internship help me make a decision?
• I want to wear a uniform and gain hands-on law enforcement experience. Is this the right internship for me?
• Will I be offered full-time employment with the MPD at the conclusion of my internship?

Learn More 1

• Learn more about the Collegiate Internship Program

Apply Today 1

• As an Expeditioner...

Qualifications 1

• How old do I have to be to become an Expeditioner?

Privacy 1

• Does the chat service collect my information?