Airport Police Officer

Compensation Grade:

P10

Salary Range:

$34.24-$54.57

Opening Date:

October 5, 2026

Closing Date:

November 2, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As an Airport Police Officer, you will protect airport travelers and their property, and serve to prevent crime while enforcing Federal and state laws and Airports Authority regulations.

Airport Police Officer

Serves in the Police Department of the Office of Public Safety. The Police Department is comprised of four commands located at (either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport). There are two Patrol Commands, the Special Operations Command which has specialty units such as, Special Operations, Investigations, or Explosive Detection K9 and the Administrative Command which includes the Training Unit and Range, Police Records and Accreditation Unit. Assignments to the various commands are at the Police Department’s discretion.

Enforces laws/regulations, protects life and property in a geographic or functional area, as assigned. Performs a combination of duties such as patrols a beat, controls traffic, serves legal documents, conducts searches/seizures, apprehends/arrests suspects, processes prisoners, and testifies in court in accordance with Police General Orders. Performs related functions.

For more information about the Airport Police Officer Recruitment Bonus Program, click here:

Police Recruitment Bonus Information

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Attends roll call/inspection, completes activity logs, and keeps others apprised of incidents.

Patrols assigned sector/beat on foot or police vehicle to maintain law and order.  Enforces laws and Airports Authority regulations for airside and landside security, motor vehicles, and other matters, executing airport emergency procedures as warranted.

Responds to calls for assistance via mobile display terminal, radio, or telephone.

Identifies motor vehicle violations, such as moving violations.  Conducts on-scene and follow-up investigations of accidents. 

Identifies and investigates unusual or suspicious conditions/incidents.

Ascertains commission of crime, warranting arrest/citation, and custody in accordance with due process procedures and other guidelines. Conducts searches and seizures.

Facilitates vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow and safety.  Provides assistance to Traffic Control Officers when needed.

Serves legal document, including outstanding traffic, arrest, and search warrants.

Preserves and controls crime scenes; collects, labels, safeguards, and transfers evidence.

Provides credible testimony in court, preparing for cases as appropriate.

May perform specialized duties in Police Training, Special Operations, Investigations, Explosive Dog division, or another organizational unit, as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A citizen of the United States of America. At least 20 years, 6 months in age.

Be able to:

Complete Field Training Program, obtain certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services;

Obtain certification as a Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator within 60 days of completion of Criminal Justice Academy training;

Obtain certification in firearms proficiency;

Pass a comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening and vision, and pass cognitive and physical ability tests, psychological and polygraph examinations.

Ability to analyze data and information and respond appropriately.

Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software.

Ability to work under pressure and maintain emotional self-control.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

For Virginia Lateral Transfer Candidates:

A citizen of the United States of America. At least 20 years, 6 months in age.

Possess current certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services OR possess certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services that expired for less than twenty-four months.

Must be in good standing with former employer.

Be able to:

Obtain certification in firearms proficiency;

Obtain certification as a VCIN Operator or obtain or recertify VCIN Operator certification within 30 days of the date of hire.

Pass a comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening and vision, and pass cognitive and physical ability tests, psychological and polygraph examinations.

Ability to work under pressure and maintain emotional self-control.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

For Out of State Lateral Transfer Candidates:

A citizen of the United States of America.  At least 20 years, 6 months in age.

Must have at least 3 years continuous law enforcement experience commensurate with those of a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer (i.e., respond to calls for service, take reports of crime, conduct traffic stops, issue summons, make arrests) and meet all requirements of 15.2-1705 Code of Virginia.

Possess current certification as a Law enforcement Officer OR possess certification as a Law Enforcement Officer that expired for less than twenty-four months.

Must be in good standing with former employer.

Be able to:

Must be able to be granted the Option 5 waiver.

Must successfully complete an Option 5 Out of State Lateral Program.

Obtain certification in firearms proficiency.

Obtain certification as a VCIN Operator.

Pass a comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening and vision, and pass cognitive and physical ability tests, psychological and polygraph examinations.

Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software.

Ability to work under pressure and maintain emotional self-control.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s Degree (or higher) in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice or related field.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice System within five months of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

This is a sworn job.  The incumbent is subject to one-time and recurring training, certification, and other requirements and standards mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and other proper authorities.

Work requires moderate physical exertion and short bursts of intense physical effort.  May be required to lift, carry, or move persons and heavy objects.

May be exposed to communicable diseases. Wears personal protective equipment as needed.

Is subject to holdover and recall for essential services and emergencies. May be required to work night hours, weekends, or special shifts.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.