Washington Metro Transit Police Department

In 1976, Congress authorized the establishment of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD). MTPD police officers have tri-state jurisdiction with responsibility for a variety of law enforcement and public safety functions in transit facilities throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.

MTPD has an authorized strength of 472 sworn police officers, 113 security special police, and 120 civilian personnel. Officers provide a variety of law enforcement and public safety services on the Metrorail and Metrobus systems in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.

MTPD police officers have jurisdiction and arrest powers throughout the 1,500 square mile transit zone that includes Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia for crimes that occur in or against Transit Authority facilities. It is the only tri-jurisdictional police agency in the country and serves a population of 3.2 million. MTPD protects and serves transit customers and employees by embracing modern policing through reforms that incorporate best practices in law enforcement and community outreach to foster public trust.

Job Summary:

The Metro Transit Police Officer protects life, safety and welfare of transit patrons and employees, enforces laws and regulations, investigates crimes committed on or against facilities owned, controlled, or operated by the Authority, and protects Authority revenue. The incumbent serves as a sworn police officer with full apprehension and arrest powers throughout the Transit zone. The Metro Transit Police Officer must obtain and maintain police certification in the District of Columbia, State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Virginia. This position requires a substantial element of personal risk. Additionally, this position requires tactful conscientious and efficient performance of duties under minimal direct supervision.

Job Levels: At each successive grade level of this job (i.e. 8722 TPI, 8723 TP II and 8724 TPIII), the incumbent is expected to demonstrate increased, distinguishing levels of proficiency and efficiency in knowledge, skills and abilities when performing the assigned duties and essential functions described in this job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Investigates crimes or incidents, preserves evidence, identifies witnesses and protects the crime scene pending the arrival of investigating officer(s) and supervising official(s).

• Responds to calls for police matters, disaster and emergency incidents. Performs rescue functions involving accidents, emergencies and disasters. Assumes initial command; establishes a command post and implements the Incident Command System; may act as On-Scene Commander until such time that a higher-ranking official arrives on scene.

• Assists transit patrons to include providing information and emergency first aid including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patrols authority facilities to ensure order and prevent crime.

• Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views and opinions of criminal defendants, suspects, arrestees and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.

• Restrains a criminal suspect, assailant, or perpetrator, forcibly if necessary using handcuffs and other restraints, subdues resisting arrestees using maneuvers and resorts to the use of hands and feet and other approved devices in self-defense.

• Pursues fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations and other duties which may involve quickly entering and exiting secured areas, lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects, climbing up and down elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, crawling in confined areas, and using body force to gain entrance.

• Performs searches of people, vehicles (buses, trains, cars, etc.) mail, items objects capable of concealing contraband. Engages in tasks to include foot patrolling, and physically inspecting buildings, stations, doors, elevators, windows, bus divisions, service yards and other areas to ensure they are secure.

• Reviews and comprehends both legal and non-legal documents, including the processing of such documents as medical instructions, commitment orders, summons and other legal writs. May be required to conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.

• Performs crisis prevention, including counseling, suicide prevention, recognizing abnormal behavior and taking appropriate action.

• Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations, and does filing by alphabetizing and labeling. Gathers information in criminal and administrative investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants and exercises independent judgement in determining when probable cause exists to recommend arrest, warrants or disciplinary action is required. Testifies in court relative to specific findings as required.

• Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses or administrative violations; also detects the presence of conditions such as smoke, unusual or excessive noise, and odors. Takes photographs and obtains a legible set of inked fingerprints of arrestees, and suspects.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.