Job Duties:
DUTIES AS A POLICE OFFICER: Upon completion of training, a police officer enforces state laws and local ordinances and arrests suspected violators of the law; responds to citizen-initiated calls for service and conducts self-initiated investigations while patrolling a specific geographical area to deter criminal activity; explains laws and police procedures to citizens; operates keyboard data terminals; checks for want/warrants on persons; identifies, collects and preserves evidence; mediates domestic disputes; prepares various reports and documents to complete investigations; and presents evidence and testimony in a judicial setting. Police personnel are required to work rotating shifts and holidays.
STARTING PAY & ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Lateral Police Officers will be hired within the Virginia Beach structure at the level and salary commensurate with their experience and qualifications. The minimum starting salary is $52,280.10. Lateral Police Officer candidates will also be considered for a hiring bonus of $10,000 paid in three installments. The first installment, $2,500, will be paid upon beginning employment with the City of Virginia Beach Police Department. The second installment, $2,500, shall be awarded at the time of the six (6) month interim performance evaluation. The final installment, $5,000, shall be awarded after the first annual performance evaluation within the first year of employment. These bonuses shall only be awarded if performance is rated as "Meets Expectations" in the six (6) month interim performance evaluation and the first annual performance evaluation at the conclusion of the twelve (12) month probationary period. Hiring bonuses are subject to a repayment agreement, which will be presented to you upon your conditional offer.
The full salary ranges for PO1, PO2 and Master Police Officer are:
Position Title |
Minimum-Maximum Salary |
Minimum Requirement |
Police Officer 1 |
$52,280.10-$81,034.16 |
12 Months' experience as a Police Officer (after Academy training) |
Police Officer 2 |
$54,894.10-$85,085.86 |
Three years' experience as a Police Officer |
Master Police Officer |
$60,520.70-$93,807.09 |
Six years' experience as a Police Officer |
**No lateral police officer hires will be paid less than $52,280.10.
Movement through the ranks from PO1 to PO2 (5% increase) and from PO2 to MPO (10% increase) are considered non-competitive career progressions. All officers may progress to PO2 and MPO when the specific requirements in the professional development program are met (e.g., service, training, specific experiences, etc.).
SELECTION PROCESS: The City of Virginia Beach Police Officer applicant selection process is a multi-tiered process. Applicants must successfully complete each component of the process before moving to the next step. The selection process includes the following components: *Written Test *Polygraph Examination *Background Investigation *Oral Interview *Physical Ability Test. Successful candidates must meet the Commonwealth of Virginia's criteria for the issuance of a handgun permit. Conditional offers of employment are extended after the oral interview and physical ability test, contingent upon the successful completion of *Medical and *Psychological exams provided at City expense. 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.
Candidates who are not successful in certain selection steps may be rescheduled for future testing. If unsuccessful in the written test, candidates must wait six months before retesting. If disqualified in the background investigation phase, there is a six-month waiting period and completion of a new application is required.
Please visit our website at Police Jobs for more detailed information about the Virginia Beach Police Department, a message from the Police Chief, testing tips, other suggestions for success, etc.
The academy staff will request that you complete the following documents and forward to them so that your application can be reviewed for test confirmation; within 24 hours of submitting your application, you will receive an email to complete the forms below and directions on how to submit them to the applicant portal.
1. Notarized Authorization for Release of Information form
2. Signed Authorization for the Procurement of a Consumer (Credit) Report
The following documents must be submitted with the completed Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) (required after the written test). Use this time to assemble these documents so you will be able to submit this information in a timely manner when requested:
1. Driver's license
2. Social Security Card
3. Birth Certificate
4. High school diploma or transcripts (or GED certificate)
5. College transcripts (if applicable)
6. Virginia DCJS certification as a law enforcement officer
7. DD-214 (if applicable)
The PHQ can be found at Police Application forms.
DISQUALIFIERS FOR VIRGINIA BEACH POLICE OFFICER1: The following is a listing of concerns that may result in a candidate’s disqualification from consideration for employment as a Police Officer Recruit. Candidates are encouraged to contact the Training Bureau staff to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the areas listed below.
Criminal History
1. Conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of any felony.
2. Conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of any misdemeanor sex offense, including but not limited to sexual battery under Virginia Code §18.2-67.4 or consensual sexual intercourse with a minor 15 or older under clause (ii) of Virginia Code §18.2-371 or any crime requiring registration in the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
3. Conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of domestic assault under Virginia Code §18.2-57.2 or any offense that would be domestic assault under the laws of another state or the United States.
4. Conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to petit larceny under Virginia Code §18.2-96 or any offense involving moral turpitude that would be a misdemeanor if committed in the Commonwealth.
Any potential applicant with a misdemeanor conviction is encouraged to contact the Training Bureau at 757-385-6987 and ask to speak with the lead background investigator to discuss their specific issue.
Driving History
1. Any conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.
Drugs
1. Sale of any drug listed in the drug standards and schedules set forth in Virginia Code §54.1-3443 et seq. without a valid license authorizing sale of specified drugs. Any other distribution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
2. Unlawful use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, methamphetamine, etc. or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last 5 years.
3. Illegal use or possession of anabolic steroids within the last 3 years.
Other
1. Dishonorable discharge from any military service.
2. Untruthfulness and/or the intentional withholding of information on any application, interview, or paperwork associated with the position. Examples of intentional withholding of information would include deliberate inaccuracies or incomplete statements.
3. Intentional failure to follow the directions outlined in the testing process or relying on others to complete any portion of the testing process.
NOTE:
This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of background disqualifiers. The additional areas of concern listed below will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis within the context of the full background investigation/review.
· Involvement in past criminal activity not resulting in criminal conviction
· Reduction of charges as a result of a plea agreement or other form of sentencing disposition prior to a conviction in any of the aforementioned criminal and driving history categories
· Other Class 1 or 2 misdemeanors
· Crimes committed as a juvenile, including undetected crime
· Patterns of reckless and/or irresponsible driving
· Multiple convictions of driving under the influence
· Illegal drug use or possession that does not fall within the parameters defined above, including the use or possession of prescription drugs without a proper prescription
· Less than honorable military discharge, erratic work record, or unfavorable employment references
· Pending litigation or prosecution for criminal offenses must be resolved prior to consideration for employment
· Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility. (Examples of concerns include unpaid collections or unsatisfactory judgments where no payment plan has been established.)
[1] References are provided throughout from the Code of Virginia; however, comparable violations of other state code or the United States Code would also be disqualifying.
For questions, contact the academy staff at 1-757-385-6987.
Official City Job Description:
Working Conditions:
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.003669.pdf
Minimum Requirements:
POLICE OFFICER I MINIMUMS: Three years as a Police Officer, successful completion of a written examination and completion of the specified training requirement in accordance with the Police Officer 2 and Master Police Officer Career Progression Policy. Must meet all employment requirements as a sworn member of the Virginia Beach Police Department, including Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services certification requirements. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements. Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office. Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job.
LATERAL POLICE OFFICER MINIMUMS: High school diploma or GED. Must have one to three years 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 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.
LATERAL/POLICE OFFICER I SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights) including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs. 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 employees 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.
Additional Requirements:
DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Required
Respirator: Required
Polygraph Review: Required
Psychological Screening: Required
Attachments Required: None.
Preferences:
Service-oriented individuals who are committed to furthering the City's vision of being a "community for a lifetime." Individuals who share our departmental values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence (PRIDE). Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Individuals who value learning and who have made maintaining personal physical fitness a lifestyle choice.
Preference may be given to individuals with college degrees, military veterans, or law enforcement related certifications.
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.
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.
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)
o 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.
VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.