Washington, DC — The DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will hold its annual career expo to showcase the department’s operations and to recruit new officers including, for the first time, Sikh recruits to the department. After meetings with Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Taskforce (SMART) representatives on inclusion of Sikhs on the force, DC Police Chief Ramsey has publicly stated he would welcome Sikhs to serve in the police department. SMART considers this is a move in the right direction and a victory for Sikh Americans. On behalf of all Sikh Americans SMART thanks Police Chief Ramsey for his commitment to having an inclusive and diverse police force reflective of the local population. SMART encourages all Sikhs in the DC metro area who are interested in career with the DC police department to attend the expo. Recruiters will be on-site to provide more information on career opportunities as a police officer. Provisions have been made for those interested to take both the written and physical abilities tests. The written test will be held at the convention center and the physical test will be held at the Training Academy. The career expo will be held: WHERE: Washington DC Convention Center WHEN: April 27, 2002 from 9 am – 5 pm Minimum Job Requirements: To qualify for the position of police officer you must: 1. Be a US citizen at the time of application 2. Have reached the age of 20 years and six months at the time of application and have reached the age of 21 years at the time of appointment 3. Possess at least 20/100 vision, correctable to 20/30 in both eyes 4. Pass a written test 5. Pass the following physical requirements equipped as a police officer: – Run an obstacle course – Run serpentine course – Run up/down stairs – Drag 160 pound mannequin 30 feet – Run under a table – Run and jump over a fence – ID “suspect” after “pursuit” – Dry fire point and shoot 6. Pass a medical examination, including being of proportionate weight and height 7. Pass a psychological examination and drug-screening test 8. Possess a high moral character for carrying out law enforcement duties 9. Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of application 10. Have a high school diploma or a certificate of equivalency issued by a recognized department of education Residency Requirements: MPDC officers do not have to reside in DC; however, there is a residency preference that adds points to the rating and ranking score of qualified candidates who live in the District of Columbia. While police officers are not required to live in the District of Columbia, all applicants selected for police officer positions must certify that they will establish residence within a 25 mile radius of the United States Capitol building within 180 days from the date of graduation from the police training academy. More detailed information is available at: http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/site/default.asp or by contacting the department at: Metropolitan Police Department Office of Recruiting 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 2169 Washington, DC 20001 (202) 727-2767 (800) 994-MPDC (6732)
