2

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

Alexandria Police Department Division: FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU Opening Date: 08/19/2026 Closing ... This is the entry-level officer position, with potential for professional growth. Please read this ...

Police Dispatcher I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$50K - $81K/yr

On the job training is conducted by a certified training officer in the Emergency Communications ... entry level dispatchers. All Dispatchers are required to obtain and keep a Full Access NCIC/VCIN ...

On the job training is conducted by a certified training officer in the Emergency Communications ... entry level dispatchers. All Dispatchers are required to obtain and keep a Full Access NCIC/VCIN ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Public Safety Special Police Officer I

Johns Hopkins Healthcare

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 233 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Public Safety Special Police Officer I
Day, Evening & Night Shifts Available
Johns Hopkins Health System | Public Safety
Protect. Serve. Make a Difference.
Johns Hopkins Health System is seeking Public Safety Special Police Officer I candidates to join our Public Safety team. This entry-level position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, physicians, and staff.
Day, evening, and night shift opportunities are available. Candidates must be flexible to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to meet staffing requirements and respond to emergencies.
VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIRED
A valid driver's license is REQUIRED for this position.
This is an important requirement and should be reviewed carefully before applying.
  • Candidates must possess a valid driver's license with no more than 5 current points.
  • Candidates must be able to maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain any required endorsements or certifications.
  • Applicants who do not currently possess a valid driver's license should not apply.
  • Driving eligibility requirements must be satisfied as part of the pre-employment process.

This driver's license requirement is specifically included in the job description as a required qualification.
Special Police Officer License
Candidates must possess a Special Police Officer (SPO) license or obtain the Special Police Officer license within the first 90 days of employment.
What You'll Do
As a Public Safety Special Police Officer I, you will:
  • Patrol assigned areas of the healthcare facility, including patient care areas, entrances, parking lots, and exterior grounds.
  • Deter criminal activity and identify safety hazards and security concerns.
  • Monitor surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and access control points.
  • Respond promptly to calls for assistance from patients, visitors, and staff.
  • Provide escorts, directions, and assistance as needed.
  • Assist with visitor screening, access control, property protection, and emergency response.
  • Conduct inspections of safety equipment, emergency exits, and life-safety systems.
  • Provide crowd control and assistance during special events, drills, and emergencies.
  • Work alongside healthcare staff, security personnel, and emergency responders during medical emergencies, behavioral crises, and other critical incidents.
  • Document and report security incidents, accidents, and unusual occurrences.
  • Participate in security, emergency preparedness, and healthcare-specific training.
  • Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sensitivity when interacting with patients, visitors, and staff.
  • Help ensure that weapons or other unpermitted objects do not enter the hospital and create a potential safety concern.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Additional training or coursework in security, law enforcement, or healthcare-related fields is preferred.

Experience
  • At least one year of security or customer service experience preferred.
  • Previous experience in security, law enforcement, or customer service is preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent service and support to others.

Additional Requirements
  • Applicants must generally be at least 21 years old.
  • Exceptions may be considered for individuals under 21 with military experience, law enforcement experience, or comparable healthcare security experience.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with no more than 5 current points.
  • Must possess or obtain the required Special Police Officer license within the required timeframe.
  • Must successfully complete required post-hire training, including CPR, Stop the Bleed, Narcan, and de-escalation training.

Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
  • Stand and/or walk for extended periods, including up to 8 hours or more.
  • Occasionally run or rapidly climb multiple flights of stairs.
  • Bend, stoop, squat, and reach.
  • Hold, restrain, or apprehend aggressive individuals, generally as part of a team.
  • Lift at least 50 pounds.

Schedule
Day, Evening & Night Shifts Available
Public Safety Officers must have the flexibility to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to meet staffing requirements and respond to emergent situations.
Why Join Johns Hopkins?
Join a Public Safety team that plays an essential role in protecting patients, visitors, and employees within a healthcare environment. Every shift provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference through safety, service, professionalism, and emergency response.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE REVIEW BEFORE APPLYING
A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE WITH NO MORE THAN 5 CURRENT POINTS IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.
Candidates must meet this requirement to be considered for employment.

What Johns Hopkins Medicine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom