Police Officer Recruit

Virginia Beach Police Department; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Beach Police Department is seeking a Police Recruit to join a multi-tiered selection process. Applicants are informed that testing occurs year-round with two academy classes per year, typically January and July.

Minimum qualifications include age, citizenship, background checks, medical and psychological exams, and eligibility for handgun permit. The role leads to training and progression within the police force.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years old at academy graduation.
• Must pass background investigation and polygraph exam.

Responsibilities

• Attend police academy and training programs as scheduled.
• Undergo medical and psychological evaluations as part of the pre-employment process.

Skills

Physical fitness

Driver's license

Polygraph readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Department:

POLICE

Compensation Grade:

Y21

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Y21 Pay Grade - $55,057.60 - $58,302.40

Selected candidates will receive a starting salary of Y21, Step 3 - $58,302.40.

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:

The duration of the selection process averages three to five months and applicants may apply up to one year prior to an academy start date.

For this reason, applicants are encouraged to apply and participate in testing even if they are unavailable for employment for several months.

We conduct two academy classes/year. Because we recruit on a year-round basis and offer testing several times/year, we process applications in the order received for the next available academy class, typically scheduled in January and July each year.

Preference may be given to applicants with college degrees, military veterans, and prior Law Enforcement Officers or Correctional Officers.

Applicants must be:

• At least 20 years of age to begin the process and 21 at the time of academy graduation.
• A U.S. citizen at time of employment (or application in process and citizenship expected by academy graduation)
• Able to successfully complete testing and have an acceptable background investigation, including polygraph exam
• Eligible for issuance of a handgun permit by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Eligible for access to the NCIC/VCIN network administered by the Virginia State Police Eligible for Department of Criminal Justice Services certification
• Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, successful completion of medical and psychological exams (provided at City expense).

Note: The pre-employment medical exam includes drug testing for a variety of substances, including marijuana.

Additional requirements:

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

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: High school or GED; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. 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. Must have a current and valid driver’s license. Passing score on a polygraph test is required. Psychological screening exam is required. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. 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 designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.

Join the Virginia Beach Police Department: Serve with Purpose and Pride

The Virginia Beach Police Department is committed to safeguarding our community and building trust with the citizens we serve. Our team of dedicated professionals works tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of integrity, service, and excellence, ensuring that Virginia Beach remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.

As a Police Recruit, you will embark on a meaningful career that empowers you to protect lives, uphold the law, and foster positive relationships within the community. You’ll receive comprehensive training and mentorship from seasoned officers to prepare you for success. With opportunities for advancement, competitive pay, and a supportive team environment, the Virginia Beach Police Department is where you can make a lasting impact while growing personally and professionally.

Why Join Us?

• Community Impact: Be part of a department that values service, fairness, and compassion in protecting over 450,000 residents.
• Exceptional Training: Our Police Academy provides state-certified training, equipping you with the skills and confidence to excel as an officer.
• Career Progression: Explore opportunities for advancement, with paths leading to specialized roles and leadership positions.
• Work-Life Balance: We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance and offer benefits and resources to support your well-being.
• Opportunities for Advancement: Career progression and professional development opportunities

The PoliceRecruitselectionis multi-tiered and applicants must successfully complete each component of the process before moving to the next step. As a condition of employment, all new employees must sign an agreement that they will not smoke or use tobacco products either on or off duty. Use of marijuana or any derivative thereof is prohibited; a positive drug screening will result in a withdrawal of any conditional offer.

City of Virginia Beach Police Academy:

Currently, VBPD holds two Recruit academies a year which are a 24-26 week training program. Upon graduation, recruits will be career progressed to Police Officer I (Y.22