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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The of City of Greenbelt Police Department is hiring Entry Level Police Officers to make a powerful and positive impact in our community. As a uniformed Police Officer, the incumbent will be ...

Salary: Entry Level Salary: $65,215.00 Experienced Officer Salary: Commensurate with experience Responsibilities and Duties: Police officer will be responding to calls, emergency and non-emergency ...

Police Officer

VA · On-site

$74K - $133K/yr

POLICE-OFFICER APPLICATIONS Division: PWC CJA Opening Date: 07/01/2023 Closing Date: Continuous ... Applicants may receive a one-time military experience bonus, as a percentage of the entry level ...

Police Officer I Are you looking to make a direct impact in the community you serve. If so, the ... This is the entry-level officer position, with potential for professional growth. Please read this ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$33.8K

$64.7K

$107.7K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Reston, VA is $64,656.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What does an entry level police officer do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

Can you get hired as an entry level police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officers are typically hired with little to no prior law enforcement experience, as agencies often provide training and academy instruction. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete physical and written tests. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and a clean background can improve chances of hiring without prior experience.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,656 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Police Officer I (Eligibility List)

City of Rockville

Rockville, MD

$73K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform routine service and law enforcement work involving general or support duty police assignments.

  • Respond to calls for service, utilize partnerships to solve problems, and address issues affecting safety and quality of life in city neighborhoods.

  • Complete required screenings, including medical, drug, psychological, and polygraph examinations, and participate in training and probationary activities.


Job description

Job Summary ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATE APPLICANTS The Rockville City Police Department is recruiting for entry level police officer candidates The Rockville City Police Department is a progressive, professional, and nationally accredited law enforcement agency, is seeking highly motivated men and women for Police Officer positions. Rockville City Police Officers perform routine service and law enforcement work involving a variety of general or support duty police assignments. Work may be performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazard work.

The Rockville City Police Department provides law enforcement-related services to approximately 70,000 residents; responsibility is shared with the Montgomery County Department of Police. City officers respond to calls for service as necessary and utilize partnerships to solve problems and to deal with issues affecting the safety and quality of life in all City neighborhoods. Minimum Qualifications: To be considered for employment as a police officer, you must be able to meet the following standards: Be a United States citizen;or, a permanent legal resident of the US and an honorably discharged veteran of the US Armed Forces who has applied to obtain US citizenship and the application is still pending approval.

Possess at least a high school diploma, or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate recognized by the State of Maryland. Be age 21 at the time of your graduation from the police academy Possess a valid driver's license Be able to pass a written police examination Possess good moral character able to withstand an in-depth background investigation, including polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screen. Ability to obtain and maintain minimum requirements of the Maryland Police Training CommissionApplicants may be disqualification from the process, at any time, for any of the reasons listed below.

This list is not all-inclusive - possible reasons for disqualification are: Poor work history Poor driving record Felony conviction or misdemeanor conviction carrying a sentence of imprisonment for one year Illegal drug use, purchase, sale, or distribution Falsification of any application documents Inability to complete COMAR requirements set forth in the selection process Any other disqualifying factor as determined by the Chief of Police RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE Complete the Online Application The application process for entry level police officers and Lateral/Certified police officers is ongoing. Applications must be fully completed and filed by the posted online closing date. Check out Government Jobs regularly for a list of open positions and apply online.

Written Examination for Entry Level Applicants After completing the online applications, entry level applicants who are selected will be notified of a date and time for the written examination. The day of examination, you will be required to bring a valid state driver's license. The written examination is by invitation only and you must receive a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.

Physical Agility Test A standard physical agility test will be administered to all applicants - both entry level and lateral. You must receive a minimum passing score in each category to successfully pass this physical fitness test as required by the Maryland Police Training Commission. Requirements: Climb over a barrier Pull/drag a 150lb rescue doll at least 15 feet Run a distance of at least 300 feet Traverse up/down at least two flights of steps 1.5 mile run with a maximum time of 15 minutes and 20 seconds 18 push-ups in 1 minute 27 sit-ups in 1 minute Interview and Background Check Selected candidates will be invited to interview with a selection panel

You must submit to a complete background check. Screenings Applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination, drug screening, polygraph examination and psychological screening. All screenings are scheduled separately.

Chief's Interview The final step will be an interview with the Police Chief. Offer of Employment Contingent offer of employment will be presented upon completion of the employment testing including: medical and physical screening, drug screening, psychological evaluation and polygraph test. Training and Probationary Period The police officer position has a 12-month probationary period effective the date of successful completion of all mandated police training.

Training includes: Entry Level Police Officer Candidates: Maryland Entry Level Police Training Academy 14-week Field Training Program Salary & Benefits: Police Officer I, Step 2 (Entry Level) - $73,779 - $121,237 Annually Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Rockville employees. Excellent benefits and opportunities including: Competitive salary, signing and retention bonuses 12 hour permanent patrol shifts - work only 15 days a month with every other Fri, Sat & Sun off 4-hour minimum overtime pay for off-duty court appearances Take Home Car Program - up to 35 air miles from city limits Multilingual Pay Stipend - $3,120 annually Tuition Assistance/Reimbursement - up to $3,000 annually Pay differential for evening/midnight shifts Equipment & Uniform Allowance: In addition to initial issue, officers are allotted a $950 yearly uniform allowance Department Issued Work Cellphone Free Uniform Dry Cleaning & Alterations Department On-site Gym & Fitness Center 25-Year Pension & Roth 457 Retirement Plans Promotional opportunities Annual and sick leave 12 paid city holidays 15 days paid Military Leave Group Health & Life Insurance Annual Performance Evaluation Merit Increase* Annual Cost of Living Pay Adjustment* *Annual Merit and COLA increases are based on budget approval by the Mayor and Council. Job Functions A Police Officer: Conducts assigned patrols, whether on foot or by vehicle, throughout the City for the purpose of preventing, detecting or responding to criminal acts and observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order.

Answers calls from citizens for assistance or protection of their life and property. Conducts investigations and gathers evidence in cooperation with other law enforcement personnel and the State's Attorney's Office in connection with incidents of criminal activities. Coordinates crime scene investigations and manages resources at the scene of a crime; interviews and counsels victims; catalogues, packages, and transports evidence to the lab for examination; and locates and interviews possible witnesses.

Writes reports and citations. Makes arrests of persons charged or suspected of criminal activities and does so in a manner that protects the rights of the accused, the rights and safety of the general public as well as the safety of themselves and other Officers. Detects violations of traffic regulations, and issues warnings and citations as necessary to insure the safety of the public and the free flow of movement on public ways.

Responds to reports of traffic accidents, insuring the proper assistance is obtained for injured individuals and that the causes are investigated and issue appropriate citations. Makes inspections of assigned vehicle and equipment daily and reports any defects. Maintains personal equipment in proper order.

Assists in crime prevention efforts as directed. Participate in in-service and special training programs as assigned. Performs various duties and tasks related to special assignments as necessary.

Performs other duties as required. Click the link to view the Police Officer I job descriptions. See the Benefits tab for additional information.

Applicants are highly encouraged to review the Rockville City Police Department's Application & Selection Process and Job Requirements and Recruitment pages on the City website for further information. Questions regarding the position or the Confidential Questionnaire may be directed to the Rockville City Police Department's Recruiting Office at 240-314-8983 or rmcevoy@rockvillemd.gov. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at 240-314-8470 or hrinfo@rockvilledmd.gov.