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Ex Police Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Telecommunicator I

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$33K - $55K/yr

Attends roll call with police units. Coordinates training for all Communications Officers. Trains ... an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do ...

Ex Police Officer information

What is an ex police officer?

Ex police officers are individuals who previously served as law enforcement officers but have since left the police force. They may have retired, resigned, or transitioned to a different career path. Many ex police officers leverage their skills and experience in other fields such as private security, investigations, or teaching. Their background in law enforcement often provides them with strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities. Ex police officers may also work to support their communities in new ways outside of traditional policing roles.

What are common career paths for former police officers transitioning into civilian roles?

Former police officers often find rewarding careers in private security, investigations, risk management, or corporate compliance due to their extensive experience in law enforcement and public safety. Many also transition into training, consulting, or roles within government agencies where their unique skill set is highly valued. Leveraging their background, ex-police officers may pursue advancement into supervisory or managerial positions over time, especially in industries that prioritize leadership and crisis management abilities. Networking and additional certifications can further expand career options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ex police officer transitioning to a new career, and why are they important?

Ex Police Officers excel with skills in law enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, and a strong understanding of legal regulations, often backed by police academy training and certification. Familiarity with criminal databases, incident reporting software, and security systems is common and highly transferable. Exceptional situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help them adapt and contribute value in new roles. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, integrity, and reliability in a variety of professions such as security, compliance, or investigations.

What is the difference between Ex Police Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectEx Police OfficerPolice Officer
CredentialsPolice academy training, certifications, experiencePolice academy training, certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentFormerly worked in law enforcement, now seeking new rolesActive law enforcement in police stations, patrols, investigations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, security firmsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

Ex Police Officers are individuals who have previously served in law enforcement but are no longer active. They possess the same credentials and experience as current Police Officers but are transitioning to new careers or roles. Police Officers are actively working in law enforcement, performing duties such as patrolling, investigations, and community policing. The main difference lies in their current employment status, with Ex Police Officers having left active duty.

What can I do as an ex-police officer?

As an ex-police officer, you can pursue careers in private security, investigations, or law enforcement consulting. Many leverage their skills in communication, problem-solving, and knowledge of legal procedures to transition into roles such as security manager, private investigator, or compliance officer. Additional certifications or training may enhance job prospects in related fields.

What is a good job for a former police officer?

A former police officer can transition into roles such as security manager, private investigator, or corrections officer, leveraging their law enforcement experience, knowledge of security protocols, and investigative skills. These positions often require relevant certifications and offer environments similar to police work, such as maintaining safety and enforcing rules.

What jobs can an ex police officer transition to?

An ex police officer can transition to roles such as security manager, private investigator, corrections officer, or loss prevention specialist, leveraging skills in law enforcement, communication, and crisis management. Many also pursue careers in cybersecurity, training, or consulting, often requiring additional certifications or training. These roles typically value experience in enforcement, investigation, and public safety environments.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ex Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Ex Police Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Ex Police Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Police Recruit (Testing & Employment Opportunities)

City of Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

$49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Administer police recruit testing, including written and physical ability tests.

  • Conduct interviews with candidates who pass the testing process.

  • Manage the registration process and ensure candidates meet application requirements.


Job description

Description City of Harrisonburg Police Recruit Testing & Employment Opportunities The Harrisonburg Police Department has combined the testing registration and employment opportunities into one advertisement. Candidates who are not currently Certified Officers and are interested in becoming a Police Officer with the HPD must apply to this posting. Candidates will not be considered for vacant Police Officer opportunities if they do not apply to this posting.

Police Recruit Employment Opportunities The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for non-certified individuals interested in joining HPD, which offers a rewarding career plus an excellent benefits package, including enhanced hazardous duty through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). Find out more information in the Harrisonburg Police Officer Candidate Information Packet and be sure to come back to this page to apply. The Police Recruit position has a preferred hiring rate of $23.57 per hour (equivalent to $49,025.60 annually)

An exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. Police Recruit Testing & Interview Process The City of Harrisonburg will be offering Police Recruit testing at various times through the remainder of 2026 for the January 2027 Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Additional details, including upcoming testing dates, will be provided to applicants once their submission is reviewed by Human Resources and HPD.

Minimum Requirements for Police Recruit: High School Diploma or GED. College Degree or Military Experience, preferred. 21 years of age by completion of basic law enforcement academy.

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien with an application for Naturalization filed and pending with Immigration Services, if DCJS-approved. Valid driver's license with acceptable record per City policy

Able to work 12-hour shifts (6am - 6pm or 6pm - 6am), including nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather. Ability to perform the physical requirements for this position. Must live or be willing to move within a one (1) hour drive of Harrisonburg, VA.

Registration Process: Registration is required for testing and can be completed online by selecting "apply" in the upper right corner of this posting on the City's website. All registration applications must be received through the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department's online application system no later than 5:00pm EST on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The online application system will automatically end registration at the indicated deadline, even if applicants are in the middle of the registration process.

Late registrations will not be accepted. There are two additional documents (the Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information) required for consideration. Once you submit your complete online employment application and it has been pre-screened by Human Resources for minimum qualifications, you will receive an email with the Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information Form along with further instructions.

These documents must be received in Human Resources no later than 5:00pm EST on Monday, October 5, 2026. After your completed Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information Form have been received and reviewed by Human Resources and the HPD Professional Standards Unit, you will receive an email requesting your attendance at an upcoming testing date if you pass the screening at this step. Please monitor the email address used to apply as that will be the email address your invitation is sent.

The following provides information related to the testing processes: Written Test The written test will be given at the City of Harrisonburg Police Department at 101 N. Main Street in Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Check-in for testing begins at 0800 hours EST.

Please bring a valid picture ID for proper identification (Ex: Driver's License, passport, etc.). The testing will begin promptly at 0830 hours EST. It will take approximately 2 hours to complete

No one will be admitted to the test after the starting time. Physical Ability Test The test will be given on the same day as the written test and will be held at the Harrisonburg Police Department's Harper Presgraves Training Grounds. Directions to this location will be provided on the day of testing.

After completing the written test, candidates will proceed immediately to the physical abilities test. To participate in the testing, you must complete the electronic Waiver of Claim for Injury, which is supplemental question #7 on your online registration. Interview Applicants who complete the written test and pass the physical abilities test may be invited to immediately interview on their testing date.

If selected for a same-day interview, applicants are not required or expected to change attire. The same clothing worn to the written test and physical ability test is acceptable for the same-day interview. To be eligible for an open position with the Harrisonburg Police Department, you must complete the written test and pass the physical abilities test.

Upon successful completion of the testing, you will be eligible for consideration in this particular recruitment process. Supplemental Information The selected candidates for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results: DMV Driving Record Review; Drug Screen; Criminal Background Investigation, including Social Media Review & Fingerprinting; Credit Check; Personal History Statement; Written Examination; Physical Abilities Test; Job-Specific Physical; Psychological Evaluation; and Polygraph. The following documents are some examples of what will be required at a later phase in the process: Social Security Card, Driver's License, Passport, Birth Certificate, Marriage/Divorce Documents, DD214, Sealed College Transcripts, and High School Diploma.

These documents are not required at the time of the Personal History Statement submission. When the applicable documents are requested by the Harrisonburg Police Department, you will be expected to provide them. If you have questions after reviewing this information, please contact the Human Resources Department at 540.432.8920 or employment@harrisonburgva.gov

Applicants who require reasonable accommodations during the application or testing process should contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the recruitment process. Veterans and minorities are encouraged to register and apply.

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, retirement (VRS with Enhanced Hazardous Duty Benefits & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave (including upfront sick leave) and 15.5 holidays. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.