Metropolitan Police Department Lateral Hire Program Visit our new interactive website at DCPolice.jobs!     The Metropolitan Police Department is now accepting applications from experienced officers in other law enforcement agencies who are interested in a career with the MPDC. Our Department offers solid salary, benefits and training packages, an exciting and challenging work environment, and a chance to make a real difference in our Nation’s Capital. On July 16, 1999, the Council of the District of Columbia passed legislation permitting law enforcement officers with previous years of experience from other jurisdictions to apply as police officers with the MPDC. Under the new law (called the "Lateral Appointment of Law Enforcement Officers Emergency Amendment Act of 1999"), "lateral hires" are able to assume full police duties, typically within 16 weeks of hire. Lateral applicants must specify "Lateral" on the application; otherwise, the application will be processed as an entry-level application. For more information on the Lateral Hire Program, view these Frequently Asked Questions: Who is eligible for lateral hire under DC law? Is there a probationary period for lateral hires? Can lateral hires take their accrued leave with them? Does lateral service experience count toward annual leave accrual? How is a lateral hire's entry-level salary determined? Do lateral hires have the opportunity to get promoted? What is a lateral hire's eligibility requirement for a regular retirement benefit? What type of training do lateral hires receive? Is there an educational requirement for lateral hires? Who is eligible for lateral hire under DC law? Nearly anyone currently serving in a law enforcement capacity as defined by the statute is eligible for lateral hire. The law specifically enumerates federal law enforcement agencies such as the US Capitol Police, US Park Police, Federal Protective Service, and the US Secret Service. To be eligible, a member of one of these agencies must have performed the duties of a law enforcement officer for a minimum of 5 years with no more than a 12 month break in service. Is there a probationary period for lateral hires? The probationary period is identical to that for new, entry-level police recruits—18 months. Can lateral hires take their accrued leave with them? Federal employees who join the District of Columbia government without a break in service may transfer annual and sick leave, with permission from their employer and upon request to MPDC personnel. Non-federal lateral hires do not possess the same reciprocal rights. Does lateral service experience count toward annual leave accrual? Yes, Chief Lanier has determined that the service computation dates of non-federal lateral transfer officers may be adjusted to give them credit for the number of prior law enforcement years deemed equivalent to years of MPD service. Lateral transfer officers credited with 3 or more years of prior police service will begin earning annual leave at the rate of 6 hours per pay period. How is a lateral hire's entry-level salary determined? The Chief of the MPDC has the discretionary authority to recruit lateral hires at salary levels that appropriately reflect their previous law enforcement experience. These salaries range from $46,842 to a maximum of $65,907. Also, lateral hires who are certified as fluent in another language (including American Sign Language) will receive an additional $50 per pay period. Do lateral hires have the opportunity to get promoted? Once hired, lateral hires have promotion rights identical to new recruits. Police officers are eligible for promotion after five years of service with the MPDC.   What is a lateral hire's eligibility requirement for a regular retirement benefit? Lateral law enforcement officers are under Tier 3 eligibility rules - that is, they may retire at any age with at least 25 years of police service. What type of training do lateral hires receive? Because of the prior law enforcement experience, lateral hires do not go through the complete training program that new recruits do. Training for lateral hires focuses on District of Columbia-specific laws and MPDC policy, procedure, and General Orders, as well as refresher courses in critical law enforcement areas.  Is there an educational requirement for lateral hires? All lateral hires must have completed at least 60 semester hours of college credit—essentially the equivalent of two years of higher education. The coursework need not be in any particular subject matter. Credits from any accredited college or university will be accepted. Additional questions about the lateral hire program can be directed to the MPDC's Office of Human Services, at (202) 727-4261. Experienced officers interested in joining the MPDC are encouraged to begin the application process.