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Chief Police Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Police Captain

Hampton, VA · On-site

$76K - $83K/yr

Reports to the Deputy Chief of Police or the Chief of Police depending on assignment. * Responsible for the effective supervision and overall management and coordination of law enforcement activities ...

Police Officer

Ferrum, VA · On-site

$38K - $40K/yr

Police officer duties are performed on an assigned shift under the general guidance of the Police Chief and designees. Essential Functions: * All officers will be required to work shift work ...

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

The Chief of Police reserves the right to require any tattoos be covered while on duty ... Supplemental Information Two-week rotation of permanent 12-hour shifts, including weekends and ...

Certified Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

The Chief of Police reserves the right to require any tattoos be covered while on duty ... Supplemental Information Two-week rotation of permanent 12-hour shifts, including weekends and ...

Police Officer

VA · On-site

$74K - $133K/yr

POLICE-OFFICER APPLICATIONS Division: PWC CJA Opening Date: 07/01/2023 Closing Date: Continuous ... Chief's interview & formal job offer Selection Criteria: * Must be at least 21 years of age by ...

Police Sergeant

Hampton, VA · On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

University Police Opening Date: 08/07/2025 Description Supervise police officers in performance of ... Must be familiar with current Virginia laws, Chief's Directives and Policies and procedures. Must ...

Police Corporal

Hampton, VA · On-site

$57K - $63K/yr

University Police Opening Date: 07/17/2025 Description Supervise police officers in performance of ... Must be familiar with current Virginia laws, Chief's Directives and Policies and procedures. Must ...

Police Dispatcher I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$50K - $81K/yr

... Chief's Interview and Final Approval/Job Offer. Examples Of Duties Answers Emergency and Non-Emergency phone calls made to the Police Department. Answers and dispatches officers on police radio ...

Executive VP & Chief Oper Officer Department: Police Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Other, Public Safety The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chief Police information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$123.3K

$198.8K

How much do chief police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief police in Virginia is $123,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,200.00 and $144,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief Police vs Police Captain?

AspectChief PolicePolice Captain
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement training, leadership experienceHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees entire police department, strategic planningManages police precincts or units, supervises officers
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal or state police departmentsMunicipal police departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership role, department oversightMid-level management, precinct supervision

The main difference between a Chief Police and a Police Captain is that the Chief Police holds the top leadership position overseeing the entire police department, focusing on strategic planning and policy. The Police Captain manages specific precincts or units within the department, supervising officers and implementing policies. Both roles require law enforcement experience and leadership skills, but the Chief Police has broader responsibilities and authority.

What is a chief police?

A Chief Police, often referred to as Chief of Police, is the highest-ranking officer in a police department. They are responsible for overseeing all police operations, managing department personnel, developing policies, and ensuring public safety within their jurisdiction. Chiefs of Police often work closely with city officials and community leaders to address crime, allocate resources, and implement law enforcement strategies. Their leadership is key to maintaining order and fostering trust between the police force and the community.

What are some of the main challenges a chief police faces in managing a modern police department?

As a Chief Police, you will encounter the challenge of balancing operational demands with administrative responsibilities, such as budget management and policy development. Keeping up with evolving laws, technology, and community expectations requires ongoing training and adaptability. Additionally, fostering a positive department culture and maintaining public trust while ensuring officer wellness are key challenges. Collaboration with local government, other agencies, and the public is frequent and essential for effective leadership.

What does a police chief do?

A police chief oversees the police department they serve. As a police chief, your responsibilities and duties include testing, training, and evaluating officers, assigning promotions, delegating casework, and conducting administrative duties. You also assess the overall success of your department in keeping the community safe and make necessary changes to maximize efficiency. You function as a tactical leader, people manager, and public liaison for the department. You must have several years experience in the field conducting patrols and investigations to gain the skills needed for this role.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chief Police jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Chief Police job openings:
Infographic showing various Chief Police job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,342 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

$87K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Working Title
Police Chief
Role Title
Law Enforcement Manager I
Role Code
69074-SW
FLSA
Exempt
Pay Band
05
Position Number
28200082
Agency
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Division
Piedmont Virginia Community College (Div)
Work Location
Albemarle - 003
Hiring Range
87,000 - 98,000 Depending on Experience
Emergency/Essential Personnel
Yes
EEO Category
1-Officials and Administrators
Full Time or Part Time
Full Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-
No
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?
No
Work Schedule
40+ hours weekly. PVCC's regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some classes and events held on the weekends. Monday through Friday. This schedule may be modified in the summer, and hours may vary based on business needs. This is a full-time (exempt) position providing services in-person for students at college and community locations. This leadership role is designated as an essential position. Essential employees may be required to work at their designated workplace or assigned remote location during an authorized closing or emergency situation, as their roles are critical to maintaining operations in such circumstances.
Sensitive Position
No
Job Description
Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a public, open access institution of higher education in the Virginia Community College System whose main campus is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is home to the Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall, The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, and the John Paul Jones Arena (JPJ). As a comprehensive community college, the College provides quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. For more information, please visit: pvcc.edu
PVCC is known throughout the community and the Virginia Community College System for its exceptional faculty and staff, the quality of its programs and services, and the success of its students. PVCC seeks to attract, welcome, and retain individuals who reflect the communities we serve.
Position Purpose: The Chief will be a leader, who is energetic, focused on community engagement, understands 21st Century Policing Strategies and committed to providing a safe environment where students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to reach their academic and professional goals. This position may be required to work some weekend and evening hours. This position will report directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services. Responsive to the safety and security needs of a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and visitors at a multi-site college. To protect life and property and enforce laws of the Commonwealth, as well as the rules and regulations of the college within the appropriate jurisdictional confines. To serve the community by providing professional and efficient community-oriented policing services on a 24-hour basis. Makes independent decisions daily based on knowledge and experience to ensure continuity of police and security services to the Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) community. The PVCC Police Department is a professional police department providing the same level of service offered by a municipal police department, as well as other services unique to an academic institution. Responsible for the day-to-day functions of patrol operations and the college's police and security services department. Manages and directs departmental patrol supervisors and is responsible for performance management. Responsible for the supervision and coordination of the activities of department members. Conducts internal investigations relative to citizen complaints and is responsible for overseeing investigations and follow-up on reports of criminal activity or other incidents of a suspicious nature. Demonstrates experience in functioning as a member of a management team and the ability to provide excellence in customer service to serve the PVCC community in a professional manner. Represents the department and PVCC as a member of appropriate professional law enforcement and emergency management associations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Supervision: Supervision of Police Department, Representation in the community, Personnel management, Emergency preparedness, Crisis drills, Budget management, Community relations, Relationship building with local and regional law enforcement agencies, Foot patrol of grounds and buildings, Check doors and record findings, Secure buildings and open doors as needed, Provide assistance to other departments within and without the college system, Provide a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and visitors, Report building and grounds deficiencies to the maintenance department and ensure proper warning material is used and displayed properly, Enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Participate in emergency drills, Provides proactive leadership in the areas of threat assessment emergency response planning, community policing, emergency preparedness, Title IX, and other duties as assigned, Evaluates emergency drills, Completes reports in a timely fashion ensuring the completeness of the reports, Acts as a liaison to emergency responders in the event of an emergency.
• Professional Standards: Practice excellent customer service and communication skills (written and oral), Displays initiative and efficiency, Practices good teamwork inside the department, Practices regular and dependable attendance and punctuality, Uses knowledge and reasoning skills to make sound decision that enhance the mission or the department and college, Answer phones and questions from visitors in a professional manner, Handles complaints using proper customer service methods Obtains and maintains certification in Taser, First Aid, CPR and AED, and all other required certifications, Completes all other training as required by the college and DCJS, Establishes and maintains liaisons with Chiefs and Emergency Managers of other colleges in the Virginia Community College System, Cultivates partnerships with local law enforcement agencies in fostering a safe campus.
• Community Policing: Awareness of student and staff population and its security and safety expectations, Interaction and communication with students and staff that gains their respect and cooperation, Visibility at school activities and events.
• Investigations: Oversees internal and criminal investigations to ensure they are conducted in a thorough, concise manner and brought to proper completion, Oversees the department's use of data base resources, Formulates an effective procedure to allow for proper handling of recovered/lost property and evidence collected by departmental personnel, Responds accordingly to Maxient submissions, Manages all recovered property and/or evidence and disposes of items in accordance with procedures and state law.
• Policies and Procedures: Develops and implements departmental general orders and directives in support of the effectiveness and efficiency of the college's goals and objectives, Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, Develops and implements department policies and procedures.
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
• Minimum education and/or experience equivalent to an Associate's Degree in Police Science and certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) in law enforcement
• Must hold current DCJS certification as a police officer
• NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, and 700 level certifications
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Trained in cultural competencies, appreciates a variety of diverse characteristics, and is committed to the mission of providing professional law enforcement, effective emergency response, crime and incident reduction, community outreach, and community education
• A working knowledge of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act; Knowledge of Title IX, OSHA regulations, and Virginia Fire Code.
• Significant years of progressively varied and responsible experience as a certified full-time police officer with a recognized law enforcement agency, including supervisory experience
• Ability to be on-call 24/7
• Reputation for honesty, integrity and ethical conduct, and the interpersonal skills necessary to work successfully with students, faculty, staff, visitors and the general public
• Ability to perform duties on foot or vehicle
• Ability to recognize safety/security hazards and take appropriate corrective actions
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in Virginia state laws, investigations and crisis intervention
• Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation and examination of records
• Demonstrate excellence in verbal and written communications and the ability to foster a positive work environment while maintaining professional discipline in the department
• Must be able to carry out the physical activities of a sworn law enforcement officer as defined by the VA Code and DCJS
• Valid driver's license required
Additional Considerations
Education and certifications beyond requirements
Experience working within Higher Education or a Community College
Operation of a State Vehicle
Yes
Supervises Employees
Yes
Required Travel
Limited
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
CLS_4608P
Recruitment Type
General Public - G
Number of Vacancies
1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
07/23/2026
Job Close Date
08/30/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Agency Website
www.pvcc.edu
Contact Name
Human Resources
Email
humanresources@pvcc.edu
Phone Number
4349615221
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications begins immediately, position will close once a candidate is identified.
Application Package must include-
  • Online Application
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Names, addresses, email and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155
Additional Information
Review of applications begins immediately, position will close once a candidate has been identified.
Piedmont Virginia Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, disability, veteran status, sex, age or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Human Resources Director, 501 College Dr., Main Building, Room M810, Charlottesville, VA 22902; 434.961.6567.
We are a "Virginia Values Veterans" (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate's offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth's Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligi