Lateral Police Officer I

Virginia Beach Police Department; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus up to $10,000

Job summary

The Virginia Beach Police Department is seeking experienced sworn officers for lateral positions across Y22–Y25 pay grades. Starting salaries vary by rank and experience, with ranges from $57,803.20 to $90,084.80 for Officer I, $60,094.40 to $94,598.40 for Officer II, and $66,934.40 to $104,312 for Master Officer, plus a $10,000 signing bonus paid in installments.

Candidates must meet Virginia DCJS requirements, pass exams, and complete training via abbreviated academies or the Option 5 process,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of experience as a law enforcement officer or equivalent.
• Must be eligible for Virginia handgun permit.
• Must maintain eligibility for DCJS certification.

Responsibilities

• Attend required academies or PTO phases for lateral officers.
• Maintain eligibility for NCIC/VCIN and DCJS certification.
• Complete pre-employment medical and psychological exams.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting End Date: December 31, 2026

Department: POLICE

Compensation Grade: Y22

Compensation Range & Starting Salary: Starting salary is commensurate with years of experience

• Lateral/Police Officer I (Y22) Pay Grade Range - $57,803.20 - $90,084.80
• Lateral/Police Officer II (Y23) Pay Grade Range - $60,094.40 - $94,598.40
• Lateral/Master Police Officer (Y25) Pay Grade Range - $66,934.40 - $104,312

A $10,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position set up in installments and subject to a repayment agreement. The repayment agreement is presented at the time of conditional offer and the 2nd and 3rd installments are awarded if performance is rated as "Meets Expectations" or higher in the six (6) month interim performance evaluation and in the first annual performance evaluation at the conclusion of the fifteen (15) month probationary period (incoming sworn officers will have a twelve (12) month probationary period).

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime): No

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

About Us

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications

Special Instructions: In state Lateral Police Officer candidates are required to attend an abbreviated academy for experienced officers and a brief Police Training Officer (PTO) phase (12 weeks*) before being released to work independently within their assigned precinct. In-state laterals must complete the Virginia DCJS Application for Exemption from Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards (Form W-2).

Out of state Lateral Officer candidates are required to attend an abbreviated Option 5 Academy for experienced Officers and Police Training Officer field training of 12 weeks. Out-of-state lateral law enforcement officers may be eligible to waive the Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy through the Option 5 process, pending review and approval by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Applicants must submit a completed Option 5 Questionnaire for DCJS evaluation. Final determination regarding the waiver of BLE training and/or authorization for the Virginia Beach Police Department to host the Option 5 Academy rests solely with DCJS. If DCJS does not grant approval—or at the discretion of the Chief of Police or their designee—the applicant will be required to attend the full BLE Academy.

Current DCJS Certified jailers who qualify for Option 6 will be hired within the Virginia Beach Police rank structure with a salary commensurate with their experience and qualifications up to the level of Police Officer I and are eligible for a hiring bonus. Option 6 candidates are required to attend an abbreviated 16-20 weeks academy and a brief Police Training Officer (PTO) phase (12 weeks) before being released to work independently within their assigned precinct.

DOC certified Jailers do not qualify for the Option 6 Academy and will be required to attend the Full Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

This recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Applicants must

• Successfully complete testing and have an acceptable background investigation, including a polygraph exam
• Maintain eligibility for issuance of a handgun permit by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Maintain eligibility for access to the NCIC/VCIN network administered by the Virginia State Police
• Maintain eligibility for Department of Criminal Justice Services certification
• Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, successfully complete medical and psychological exams (provided at City expense)
• Note: The pre-employment medical exam includes drug testing for a variety of substances, including marijuana
• *12 weeks is the minimum PTO phase. This time frame may be extended for officers who require additional time working in partnership with a Virginia Beach training officer.

Additional requirements

• DMV Transcript: Yes
• Physical: Yes
• Psychological Screening: Yes
• Polygraph: Yes

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Must have one (1) to three (3) years of experience as a law enforcement officer but not currently certified in the State of Virginia or be a current Virginia DCJS certified Sheriff Deputy or Jailer eligible for the DCJS Option 6 academy. Must have a current and valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a current Virginia or North Carolina driver’s license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver’s license eligibility requirements within thirty (30) days of Hire. U.S. citizenship Eligible for issuance of a handgun permit by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Successful completion of the selection process, full background investigation, polygraph, medical and psychological exams. Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office and able to pass the Department’s annual physical assessment test. Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job. Special Requirements: This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other