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Entry Level Police Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

VA

$86K/yr

This is a full-time position with the Police Department of the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C. Entry-Level hires that sign a three-year service agreement will receive incentive ...

Examples of Work Entry level position. Requires attendance at Police Academy and period of probationary status prior to permanent appointment. Upon successful completion of Police Training Academy ...

Career Development Program The Leesburg Police Department offers a career development program. The purpose of the program is to recognize and compensate individuals who have acquired additional or ...

Police Recruit

Hampton, VA · On-site

$54K - $60K/yr

Examples of Work Entry level position. Requires attendance at Police Academy and period of probationary status prior to permanent appointment. Upon successful completion of Police Training Academy ...

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 Dispatcher I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$50K - $81K/yr

... entry level dispatchers. All Dispatchers are required to obtain and keep a Full Access NCIC/VCIN ... Police Dispatchers will dispatch calls for service to officers working in the field and maintain ...

Police Officer I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$63K - $114K/yr

Alexandria Police Department Opening Date: 07/05/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Bargaining Unit ... This is the entry-level officer position, with potential for professional growth. Please read this ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Police information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$61.6K

$102.6K

How much do entry level police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police in Virginia is $61,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $73,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, completion of police academy training, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Familiarity with radio communication systems, report-writing software, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively serve and protect the community. These skills and qualities ensure officers can uphold the law, respond to emergencies, and build trust within the community.

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

Entry level police officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, handling stressful or unpredictable situations, and learning to apply law enforcement procedures in real-world scenarios. Building effective communication skills with both colleagues and the public is essential, as is balancing enforcement duties with community relations. Officers are also expected to quickly master report writing and legal documentation, all while working under close supervision and receiving ongoing training.

Can I become an entry level police officer without experience?

Entry level police officers typically do not need prior law enforcement experience, as agencies provide training through police academies. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and meet physical and written exam requirements. Some positions may prefer or require related skills or certifications, but experience is generally not mandatory for entry-level roles.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a law enforcement agency and are beginning their careers in policing. They are typically responsible for basic law enforcement duties such as patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, writing reports, and assisting the public. Entry level officers usually undergo training at a police academy before starting fieldwork, where they learn about criminal law, procedures, and community relations. As they gain experience, they may have opportunities for advancement within the department.

What is the lowest position in entry level police?

The lowest position in entry-level police is typically that of a police officer or patrol officer. This role involves patrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls, and enforcing laws, often serving as the starting point in a law enforcement career after completing required training and academy programs.

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

AspectEntry Level PoliceCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionPrison facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, prisons
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Police officers and Correctional Officers both require similar credentials and work in related environments within law enforcement. While police officers focus on patrolling and community safety, correctional officers manage inmates in detention facilities. Both roles serve the criminal justice system but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Police jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Police jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Police jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Police jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Police job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,615 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Oregon State Police Recruit Trooper - Lateral and Entry Level

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Warrenton, VA • On-site

$6.4K - $9.0K/mo

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Oregon Youth Authority rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Initial Posting Date:

07/31/2026

Application Deadline:

08/31/2026

Agency:

Oregon State Department of Police

Salary Range:

$6,422 - $9,035

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Oregon State Police Recruit Trooper - Lateral and Entry Level

Job Description:

The Oregon State Police is hiring for multiple Full-Time, Permanent OSP Trooper positions for coastal offices.

Summary of Job Duties

Are you looking to advance your skills in a variety of specialties? Oregon State Police is committed to developing top talent throughout the state. Supporting new career paths and established professional journeys, our agency seeks motivated and trustworthy individuals dedicated to upholding the vision and mission of the Oregon State Police.

Oregon's geographic diversity calls for a wide variety of duty assignments. From rural counties to metropolitan freeways, Troopers are trained to do it all. OSP Troopers provide a wide variety of public safety services and may find themselves conducting enforcement not only in our standard police cruisers but also by pickup, ATV, snowmobile, horseback, an assortment of watercraft, from white water rafts to ocean-going craft and even aircraft.

The Oregon State Police is actively recruiting Recruit Troopers to fill openings across multiple locations throughout the state. Successful candidates will be assigned a duty station in Oregon upon receiving a conditional job offer. Hiring will be limited to the following locations: Astoria, Tillamook, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay, and Gold Beach or other office to be determined at the time of hire based on operational need. Gold Beach is a critical fill location and would offer a relocation reimbursement.

The hiring process for Recruits is extensive. The time from application to appointment can exceed several months. Our Sworn Recruiters are available to answer questions and provide resources to prepare you for this process. Read and review all 7 steps of the process and become familiar with the different tests and systems you'll need to access before you begin. You can find all the steps and contact information for OSP recruiters outlined here. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/jobs/Pages/Recruitment.aspx

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a United States Citizen by birth or Naturalized United States Citizen -OR- able to attain citizenship within 18 months of hire ***OAR 259-008-0019 - 1 Citizenship (a) (b)

  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent*

  • Applicants must be 21 years old on the first day of employment per OAR 259-008-0010

  • Possess and maintain a valid driver's license

  • Meet all applicable medical and physical requirements, AND;

  • Pass all applicable background, credit, and criminal history checks

  • Be in good health and of good moral character: moral character is defined as possessing the attributes of empathy, courage, fortitude, honesty, loyalty, and additional virtues deemed to be morally good

  • Must work at assigned duty station for 2 years once solo status is reached

Preferred Skills:

  • General knowledge and ability to interpret and apply Oregon Revised Statue (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR)

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills that can de-escalate a situation, end an attempted assault and maintain mental and emotional safety.

  • Ability to apply critical thinking and decision-making skills in stressful situations where timely resolution is required.

  • Demonstrated ability to perform under pressure and maintain composure in a position highly subject to public scrutiny.

  • Demonstrated integrity and ethics along with responsibility and accountability in all professional and personal interactions.

Selection Process:

  • Step 1 - Complete an online job application through Workday

  • Step 2 - Entry Level Testing

  • Step 3 - Command Interviews

  • Step 4 - Background Investigation

  • Step 5 - Conditional Job Offer

  • Step 6 - Medical Screen and Psychological Evaluation

  • Step 7 - Official Job Offer

You can find all the steps and contact information for OSP Recruiters here: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/jobs/Pages/Recruitment.aspx

How to Apply:

  • In Workday, follow the "Apply" process and complete the online application.

  • Complete any additional questionnaires to ensure your application is complete.

  • After applying in Workday, you must register and attendStep 2 - Entry Level Testing.

  • If you choose to submit any documents, please submit them in either MS Word or PDF format. We will not open other types of documents.

Helpful Links & Resources:

  • Learn more about OSP here. View our recruitment video here.

  • Background screening information can be found here.

  • OSP does not offer Visa Sponsorship. To view information on work authorization and find out about acceptable documents, click here.

  • Pay Equity Information & Resources, click here.

  • OSP DEI Action Plan, click here.

Eligible Veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources, or call Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. NOTE: If requesting Veterans' preference, please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your "My Applications" section.

This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.


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