Why DC Matters: Voices from the Field People like you answered.
Answer the call to serve DC.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
No. You do not need to live in Washington, D.C. to apply to any of the agencies. For MPD, DC Fire and EMS and DOC, there are no residency requirements at the time of application.
That said, living in DC does come with advantages. MPD offers up to $6,000 in rental assistance to help new officers make the move. DC Fire and EMS provides preference points for DC residents which will improve position on the register for FF/EMTs. No preference points for FF/paramedics.
It depends on the agency. MPD has one of the fastest timelines in the region, averaging 2 to 3 months from application to offer. DC Fire and EMS and DOC processes can take up to six months due to the number of steps involved, including physical testing, psychological evaluation, and background investigation. The process is thorough because the work is serious. Starting early is the best thing you can do. You can begin your application today at dccalls.dc.gov.
Yes, you may still be able to apply. Many applicants with a past record move forward in the process, and each agency reviews backgrounds individually. Some serious offenses are disqualifying, but a record does not automatically close the door. The best step is to check each agency’s guidelines and reach out to their HR team directly. You will not know until you ask.
Each agency has its own physical assessment. MPD’s Physical Ability Test includes a series of job-related exercises designed to simulate the physical demands of police work. DC Fire and EMS requires the International Association of Firefighters Candidate Physical Ability Test as part of its hiring process, and preparation resources are available through the department. DOC’s Correctional Officer Preemployment Testing includes a physical agility component requiring a 70% passage rate. None of these tests are designed to eliminate you. They are designed to make sure you are prepared for the job. All three agencies provide guidance on how to prepare.
You can apply to more than one agency at the same time. MPD, DC Fire and EMS, and DOC have separate hiring processes, so applying to one does not affect your standing with another. If you are unsure which agency is the right fit, dccalls.dc.gov is a good place to start.
Across the DC government, there is a career for you in public safety and justice:
- Dispatchers and call takers responsible for managing 911 calls at the Office of Unified Communications;
- Youth development representatives who work with youth in the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, and
- Grant managers at the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants who issue grant funding to our community non-profits and more!
- Visit careers.dc.gov and apply today.