How to hire a transit police officer

How to hire a transit police officer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step transit police officer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a transit police officer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new transit police officer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a transit police officer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your transit police officer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a transit police officer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A transit police officer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, transit police officers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of transit police officer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Transit Police Officer	Description	Hourly rate
   Transit Police Officer	Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.	$13-29
   Military Police Officer	A military police officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the areas assigned for their duly protection. Military police officers monitor their premises efficiently, inspecting suspicious individuals within the territory, and enforcing strict legislation protocols and military regulations for everyone's compliance... Show more	$12-26
   Police Officer	Police officers are responsible for keeping peace and security in a community. They uphold and enforce the law... Show more	$18-34

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Patrol
   • Emergency First Aid
   • Restraints
   • Public Safety
   • Law Enforcement
   • Foot Patrol
   • Audio Surveillance
   • Rescue Functions
   • Traffic Control
   • Crowd Control
   • Crime Scenes
   • Security Checks
   • Bus Stops
   • State Laws

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop several programs including a bike rodeo for children, a poster contest emphasizing crime prevention and campus watch.
   • Patrol designate RTA and municipal areas to ensure fare enforcement and prevents disorder, criminal activity and acts of terrorism.
   • Review civilian complaints; conduct comprehensive interviews and disciplinary hearings; recommend and implement disciplinary action; handle removal of firearms.
   • Complete all law enforcement requirements for FTO before academy.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your transit police officer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A transit police officer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, transit police officers' average salary in mississippi is 58% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level transit police officers earn 54% less than senior-level transit police officers.
   • Certifications. A transit police officer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a transit police officer's salary.

   Average transit police officer salary

   $42,043yearly

   $20.21 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level transit police officer salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

4. Writing a transit police officer job description

   A transit police officer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a transit police officer job description:

   Transit police officer job description example

   
   220590
   
   Location:
   
   DC/MD/VA Metro Locations
   
   Full/Part Time:
   
   Full-Time
   
   Posting Open-Close
   
   07/21/2022
   
   -
   
   10/18/2022
   
   Union
   
   FOP
   
   Regular/Temporary:
   
   Regular
   
   **Job Description**
   
   Metro Transit Police Officers are responsible for the enforcement of laws, regulations, and ordinances for crimes committed on, to, or against facilities owned, controlled, or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Metro Transit Police Officers conduct this enforcement through a variety of tactics, to include uniform and plain clothes deployments. The Metro Transit Police Department also has a variety of specialty units to include: The Explosive Ordinance Detection Unit, K9, the Special Response Team, Motorcycle unit and more. Unlike any other police agency in the country, the Metro Transit Police Department has tristate jurisdiction and operates in the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Due to this jurisdiction, Metro Transit Police Officers serve a population of 3.2 million people throughout the 1,500-square mile Transit Zone.
   
   The Metro Transit Police Department offers a competitive starting annual salary of $59,066.00. In addition, the Metro Transit Police Department offers a rich benefit package to include health, dental, group life insurance, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Metro Transit Retirement Plan as well as tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and free transportation on Metrobus and rail.
   
   Lateral police officers, military personnel, and those who have obtained a college degree may receive a higher starting salary up to $72,861, depending on years of experience and qualifications. **Apply today and be eligible for a $10,000 signing bonus!!**
   
   **MOS/SOC:**
   
   Lateral transfers will be considered for candidates with current military occupational skills and/or service occupational codes (SOC) listed below or have similar documented training/designations.
   
   **Branch** **MOS/SOC and/or Military Function**
   
   US Air Force Security Forces, Combat Control, Combat Rescue Officer, Pararescue, Tactical Air Control Party Specialist, Special Operations
   
   US Army 11B, 11C, 18B, 31B, 31K
   
   US Marine Corps 5800,5811, 5812, 5813, 5814, 5816, 5819
   
   US Navy 001509, 002650, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2099, 90IT, 90IU, 90MP, 9545, MA Master-At-Arms
   
   US Coast Guard 741
   
   **Minimum Qualifications**
   
   **Education**
   
   + High school diploma or possession of a general equivalency diploma (GED)
   
   **Experience**
   
   **_May be advanced to the next grade level provided he/she has taken and passed any required written or practical tests, acquired any required certifications and has met acceptable fitness for duty, work record and job performance requirements._**
   
   + **Level TP I**
   
   + Must be at least 21 years old on date of appointment. This is the entry level.
   
   + **Level TP II**
   
   + Two (2) years' experience as a Metro Transit Police Officer I or related role
   
   + **Level TP III**
   
   + Five (5) years' experience a Metro Transit Police Officer I & II, or related role
   
   **Certification/Licensure**
   
   + Valid driver's license from jurisdiction of residence
   
   **Preferred**
   
   **Medical Group:**
   
   Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.
   
   **Mission Essential Designation:**
   
   + In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.
   
   **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.**
   
   **Evaluation Criteria**
   
   Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
   
   Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
   
   + Skills and/or behavioral assessment
   
   + Personal interview
   
   + Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
   
   + Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
   
   + Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
   
   + Review of a current motor vehicle report
   
   **Closing**
   
   WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
   
   This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find transit police officers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your transit police officer job on Zippia to find and recruit transit police officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting transit police officers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new transit police officer

   Once you've found the transit police officer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a transit police officer?