Veterans Health Administration Logo
Position Title
Police Officer (Sergeant)
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBSU-12754251-25-RD Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 to Thursday, July 3, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy; AND, 
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs?  If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
(limit characters)
Your resume must be submitted in English and include the following information for each job listed:
  • Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
  • Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages or encrypted, and digitally signed documents linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
(limit characters)
2. Applicants are required to undergo and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening test and must submit to random drug testing after employment. Will you comply with this requirement? (limit characters)
3. VA Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property. Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency-approved firearms as condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9)).
 
Are you willing and able to achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency-approved firearm?
(limit characters)
4. A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License.

Do you possess a current and valid state-issued driver's license?
(limit characters)
5. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a comprehensive medical and psychological examination prior to entering on duty to determine fitness for duty as a Police Officer. Will you comply with this requirement? (limit characters)
6. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation, which may include the administration of a polygraph examination? (limit characters)
7. New VA Police Officers are required to attend an 8-week course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Satisfactory completion of this course is a condition of continued employment. Would you be willing to attend such training in a location that may be away from your current residence? (limit characters)
8. A Police Officer may be expected to continue irregular duty hours either at the Medical Center, local police offices, or at court especially during investigations of serious criminal incidents. This type of working schedule may negatively affect or burden family responsibilities. Are you willing to accept these working conditions? (limit characters)
9. Police Officers encounter people experiencing extreme poverty and personal hardship, such as separation from family who are difficult, hostile or distressed. Investigators also may witness drowning's, vehicle accidents, and other tragedies. Police Officers are occasionally exposed to people who carry infectious diseases. Would you be able to work in these conditions? (limit characters)
10. Are you willing to accept the working conditions for this position as detailed in the announcement? This includes:
  • Attendance at VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Random drug testing
  • Medical and psychological examination
  • Character investigation
(limit characters)
11. I authorize my application information being shared with hiring managers for similar positions. I understand this option may not result in further consideration for additional positions nor will it impact my application for this announcement. (limit characters)
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001). (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Lead Police Officer (Sergeant) GS-0083-7 position for the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center.  We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position.  Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of experience and/or education or training that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position.  When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation.  You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.  If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). (limit characters)
Minimum Qualification Requirements: Select the one statement below that best describes your current level of experience to meet the minimum requirements for this position. Please refer to the Qualifications and Duties sections of this announcement for detailed information. (limit characters)
1. Specialized Experience: Do you possess at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level in the Federal service (or equivalent pay band), that provided a knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property? Specialized experience includes: leading and directing employees in their duties in response to potential threats of violence, detecting criminal activity, fire and other emergencies; enforcing federal, state, and local laws; making arrests; conducting foot and vehicle patrol; maintaining control of a scene or incident; taking statements from witnesses/suspects and advising them of their rights; preparing detailed reports of criminal offenses, violations, incidents, and citations issued; interrogating suspects; and applying all correct rules of search and seizure. Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills. Experience as a security guard or corrections officer is generally not qualifying. Note: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hour worked per week. (limit characters)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. (limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Leadership: Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Leads a team of Police Officers and other administrative staff.
(limit characters)
3. Directs day-to-day lead and non-lead policing assignments.
(limit characters)
4. Provides staff guidance on how to preserve what is needed for crime scenes.
(limit characters)
5. Leads and initiates investigative contacts/stops.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Manages Human Resources: Plans, distributes, and monitors work assignments; evaluates work performance and provides feedback to others on their performance. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
6. Assigns, distributes, reviews, approves and disapproves employees' assignments.
(limit characters)
7. Monitors and reviews the status/progress of the work and makes workload adjustments to ensure the workload is balanced.
(limit characters)
8. Provides information and feedback to the supervisor concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs.
(limit characters)
9. Resolves simple, informal complaints of employees and refers more complex complaints to the supervisor.
(limit characters)
10. Receives and reviews reports from staff making revisions as needed before forwarding to the supervisor for final review.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Criminal Law: Knowledge of state and federal criminal laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to admissibility of evidence and prosecution. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
11. Determines whether situations are criminal or civil and takes appropriate legal steps for each crime committed.
(limit characters)
12. Interviews witnesses and other persons involved, determines whether facts warrant an arrest or lesser action.
(limit characters)
13. Keeps abreast of policing best practices, the latest policing technology, and the latest criminal and policing laws, rules, and regulations to provide advice and guidance.
(limit characters)
14. Provides assistance to citizens in emergencies, including the protection of civil rights.
(limit characters)
15. Conducts investigations, apprehensions/detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Arrest competency: Knowledge of the laws, principles, and procedures used in apprehending a criminal suspect, including polices for pursuit and proper use of force and capture such as Miranda rights. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
16. Advises individuals of their (Miranda, Weingarten, Garrity, etc.) rights, and protects the constitutional and civil rights of persons.
(limit characters)
17. Conducts investigations with a nexus to on organization, prisoner transport, patient search and recovery.
(limit characters)
18. Responds to calls for police assistance, irregularities, and unusual or suspicious circumstances.
(limit characters)
19. Detains witnesses and apprehends suspects, makes arrests and performs booking procedures.
(limit characters)
20. Executes arrest warrants issued by federal and local courts.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Security: Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing personnel, facilities, and information, including the requirements for handling, transporting, and protecting classified information and proper reporting of security incidents. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
21. Seeks, detects, seizes, and protects evidence and witnesses at the scene of an incident.
(limit characters)
22. Intervenes when necessary to deescalate situations and determines when and how much force must be applied.
(limit characters)
23. Provides emergency response coordination as needed.
(limit characters)
24. Makes independent decisions and takes/coordinate immediate steps to preserve life and property.
(limit characters)
25. Intervenes to deescalate active suicidal behavior and/or prevents suicides, when needed.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Teaching Others: Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
26. Provides and/or coordinates staff training during shift briefing or designated training days.
(limit characters)
27. Ensures instruction on work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines are met.
(limit characters)
28. Coaches and mentors current and new police officers to ensure employees obtain the necessary training.
(limit characters)
29. Provides on-the-job training in accordance with established procedures and practices.
(limit characters)
30. Leads, initiates and guides staff regarding how to proceed with investigative stops on suspicious and potentially dangerous persons and suspicious vehicles independently.
(limit characters)