The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, Police Services is hiring Police Officers at the GS-6 level across hundreds of locations nationwide — including a dozen New York State locations. This is a permanent, full-time federal law enforcement position with excellent pay, federal benefits, and pension. The announcement uses Direct Hire Authority — meaning it is open to all U.S. citizens without a competitive exam or waiting list.

Base salary for GS-6 is $45,409–$98,335 per year. Actual pay will be adjusted upward to reflect the locality pay rate or special salary rate (SSR) for your specific duty location. New York City-area positions typically receive higher locality pay than the base rate.

The following New York locations are included in this nationwide announcement. Indicate your preferred location(s) when applying:

VA Police Officers perform a full range of law enforcement duties at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, protecting veterans, staff, and the public on VA-controlled property.

• ✓Conduct long and short-term investigations to detect and apprehend individuals violating laws
• ✓Analyze facts to identify suspects and develop case information
• ✓Coordinate with U.S. and other prosecuting attorneys on case development, arrests, and prosecutions
• ✓Obtain search and arrest warrants; arrest violators; follow rules/procedures on search and seizure
• ✓Perform full range of detective-level investigative work

• ✓Patrol assigned areas on foot or by motor vehicle
• ✓Prevent, detect, and investigate crimes; protect the civil rights of all individuals on VA property
• ✓Subdue persons causing disturbance or threatening harm to themselves or others
• ✓Perform traffic control; assist citizens in emergency situations
• ✓Provide basic first aid and CPR prior to arrival of emergency medical personnel
• ✓Prepare reports of activities and events during each shift

To qualify at GS-6, you must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service that provided:

• ✓Knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques
• ✓Experience maintaining order to protect life and property; taking initial complaints; interviewing witnesses
• ✓Securing crime scenes and conducting limited searches; responding to emergency situations
• ✓Gathering information and preparing reports; conducting routine patrol, traffic control, and accident investigations
• ✓Investigative work; patrolling assigned areas to enforce laws, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crimes, and/or arrest violators

• !Must possess a valid, unrestricted state driver’s license with a safe driving record; must pass the VA Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination
• !Must carry and remain qualified with agency-approved firearms as a condition of continued employment. Must qualify semi-annually with assigned firearm and annually with an expandable Straight Baton (MEB)
• !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))

• !New VA Police Officers must attend an 8-week training course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Satisfactory completion is a condition of continued employment.
• !Medical examination required. Must have good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear conversational voice.
• !Psychological examination required. Must possess emotional and mental stability.
• !Character investigation required, covering honesty, integrity, general character, and loyalty to the U.S. Government.
• !Must pass annual physical and psychosocial assessments throughout employment.
• !Drug test required — designated drug-testing position. Random drug testing throughout employment. Applicants who refuse testing will be denied employment.
• !Must complete a 1-year probationary period — employment will be terminated unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• ✓Must be a U.S. citizen
• ✓Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service
• ✓Must possess a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID for pre-employment verification (effective May 7, 2025)
• ✓Must complete an online onboarding process; acceptable I-9 identity/eligibility documents required

This announcement covers vacancies at VA medical facilities in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A partial list of participating states: