The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is actively hiring recruit classes each month as it seeks to bolster the ranks of one of the most progressive and diverse police departments in the country.
MPD has just over 3,550 officers currently. Sixty-six percent of MPD’s officers are from diverse racial backgrounds and 23 percent of MPD officers are women, while the national average across police departments is 11 percent. MPD is committed to reaching a 30 percent female force by 2030. The bottom line is, the MPD is recruiting to further mirror the communities it serves.
MPD recruits are some of the most educated entering law enforcement, with the majority of new hires having bachelor’s degrees. Recruits come with backgrounds in a wide array of academic fields as MPD leaders realize these candidates bring valuable perspectives and soft skills needed to be effective police officers, such as empathy, problem solving and strong communication skills.
A diverse department allows MPD to emphasize true community policing where officers are invested in the neighborhoods they serve — some live here, some grew up here — but each is dedicated to the mission of serving the residents of and visitors to the District of Columbia.
Learn more about positions in the Metropolitan Police Department and details about the next Prospect Day.
