Police Recruit

Government Jobs; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A local police department is seeking recruits for its training academy, which includes a state-certified Basic Recruit Training course. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, possess a valid driver's license, and meet specific age and physical requirements. Upon completion of the academy, recruits will receive a salary increase to $61,200 and a signing bonus of $5,000.

Benefits

Signing bonus of $5,000

Tobacco-free environment

Qualifications

• No prior experience required.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License prior to employment start date.
• U.S. citizen (born or naturalized).

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete the state-certified Basic Recruit Training course.
• Perform limited, non-hazardous police functions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Education

High school education or equivalency

Job description

Overview

Estimated Academy Start Date: April 2026

Norfolk Police — The Norfolk Police Department has a long-standing history of safeguarding lives and property, preventing and investigating crime, and maintaining peace for the City of Norfolk. The department serves 244,000 residents across 66 square miles.

Begin a career with Norfolk Police and learn about the department's values and mission.

Core Values

S.H.I.E.L.D. — Service, Honor, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, Diversity

Norfolk Police Academy

Recruits participate in a 25- to 26-week academy to complete the Virginia state certified police officer training. The academy provides classroom instruction, physical fitness training, and police situation simulation. The department conducts three academy classes per year. Applications are processed in the order received for the next available class, typically scheduled in April, August, and December. Upon academy graduation, recruits may advance to Police Officer with a salary increase to $61,200.

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete the state-certified Basic Recruit Training course conducted by the Norfolk Police Training Academy.
• Perform limited, non-hazardous police functions.
• May perform covert investigations to infiltrate, gather intelligence, identify criminal activity, and support arrest and prosecution.
• Meet physical requirements and tests prescribed by the City’s Civil Service Commission.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Qualifications

Education: Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency. No prior experience required.

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid Driver's License prior to employment start date.
• U.S. citizen (born or naturalized).
• Must be at least 20 years and 6 months old at the time of application with the City of Norfolk.
• Must successfully pass all entry-level testing and assessments.
• View all department-specific Automatic Disqualifiers (information available through department).

Overview of Process

1. Physical Agility Test — events simulate typical work-related situations requiring specific physical activity.
2. Psychological Examination — Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), provided at City expense.
3. Personal History Booklet — gathers information about your personal history.
4. Background Investigation — includes verification of prior employment, drug usage, references, criminal records, DMV, and credit records.
5. Polygraph Examination — verifies background data; deception related to disqualifiers may halt processing; provided at City expense.
6. Medical Examination — medical physical and drug screen, provided at City expense.

Other Details

• Tobacco Use: Selected candidates must acknowledge refraining from tobacco products, both on and off duty.
• Signing Bonus: One-time $5,000 signing bonus at completion of the recruit academy. To receive the bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.

Questions: For any questions, please email the Police Recruiting team.