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

Prince William County, VA

Sheriff's Deputy

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$66K - $116K/yr

The sheriff's office holds concurrent law enforcement jurisdiction with local police departments ... Virginia Law Enforcement officers/deputies are eligible to receive a higher salary based on years ...

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All JobsPolice Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer Jobs in Reston, VA

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.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs

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:

Entry Level Police Officer jobs near you
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.

Special Agent (Entry-Level)

US Legislative Branch

Washington, DC • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. The USCP protects and secures Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.Qualifications:

The Initial AssessmentPhase consists of two components:

Orientation Session - An overview of the USCP mission, hiringprocess, training, and employment opportunities.
Written Exam - The PoliceOfficer Selection Test (POST) will test the candidate's knowledge of basicmath, reading, and grammar. A passing score of at least 70% (seventy percent)must be obtained in each section.
The Orientation and POST will require candidates to use a video conferencingsystem.
Note: All online portions of thehiring process require the use of a desktop or laptop computer. The use of cellphones and tablets will NOT be allowed for video conferencing. It is highlyrecommended that all candidates become familiar with the use of theircomputer's webcam and microphone.
Applicants who successfully complete the Initial Assessment Phase will beissued a Conditional Offer of Employment and will enter the Examination Phaseof the hiring process.
Examination Phase
The Examination Phase consists of psychological, medical and polygraphexaminations.   This will be a candidate's first required visit toour office in Washington, D.C. during the hiring process. Efforts will be madeto schedule these examinations consecutively to eliminate return visits tocomplete the examinations.

Psychological -Candidates complete a battery of psychological assessments and a clinicalinterview.  The psychological examination will last approximately four tosix hours.  Candidates are encouraged to be well-rested and eat prior tothe examination.
The psychological examwill occur online and require the use of a desktop or laptop computer, camera,and microphone. 
Medical - The medical examination will determine if a candidate is medicallyqualified to perform the functional requirements of the job.  Candidateswill be required to fast (abstain from food) prior to the medical examination.
Polygraph - The polygraph examination is used to confirm information obtainedthrough the selection process. 
Physical Readiness Test (PRT) - The PRT consists of three events: a timed300-meter run, push-up test, and a 1.5-mile run. 

Background Investigation
The final phase of the selection process requires candidates to undergo a fullbackground investigation that will include a thorough review and verificationof the candidate's employment history, employer, residential, and personalreferences, in depth criminal and credit history, and academic records.
Must be a United States citizen.
Must meet position age requirements.
Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license.
Must show evidence of responsible driving in the past one (1) year.
Male applicants must be registered for Selective Service.
Travel for hiring assessments and training is at applicant's expense.
Must successfully complete a full field background investigation.
Polygraph, medical assessment, criminal, credit, and tax check required.
Must successfully complete all required training.
Must successfully complete a probationary period.
Candidates must meet the following requirements to be minimally qualified forthis position:
U.S. Citizenship -- OnlyUnited States Citizens will receive consideration. Qualified applicants will berequired to provide proof of citizenship early in the selection process.Naturalized citizens must be able to participate and complete a holistic andverifiable background investigation of their personal and professionalbackground.
AgeRequirements - Sworn officer positions with the USCP are subject to themandatory retirement provisions of the Capitol Police Retirement Act, whichrequires an officer to separate/retire from the USCP by age 57, but as theresult of current critical mission requirement, the age has been increased to59.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old at time ofappointment and ordinarily not older than 37. However, the maximum entry agehas been increased to 39 years of age at the time of appointment (or 40 yearsof age if the individual turns 40 in the same month of their initialappointment), with required mandatory retirement after 20 years of Federal lawenforcement service (e.g., employed at 39 years of age and retire at 59 yearsof age).
Education -- 4-year college degree or 4 years of militaryexperience is required.
Valid Driver's License --Applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver's license that has not been revokedor under suspension for the past one (1) year.
Criminal History Check -- Mustsuccessfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years.
Acriminal history check will be performed on all qualified applicants.
USCP Police Officers arerequired to possess a firearm and ammunition. Applicants who have been convicted ofa misdemeanor crime of domestic violencecannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition and are ineligible for theposition.
Credit Check -- Mustsuccessfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not be in default ordelinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans.
Selective Service Registration -- Male applicants must provide verificationof registration with the Selective Service System or must verify exemption fromthe Selective Service System registration because of age or military status.Female applicants are exempt from Selective Service System registration. https://www.sss.gov/verify
Fingerprint Check --Applicants' fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history record.
Background Investigation --Must successfully complete all components of the USCP full field backgroundinvestigation.
There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP backgroundinvestigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests,or convictions may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberatemisstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information atany phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualificationregardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. Theprimary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due todeliberately withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/ormisleading information may be grounds for removal from the application andselection process.

Education:High School diploma or GED certificate is required.Employment Type: OTHER

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