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Ex Police Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Petersburg, VA

Telecommunicator I

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$33K - $55K/yr

Communicates with police, fire and rescue and other law enforcement agencies, emergency service ... an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do ...

All JobsEx Police JobsEx Police Jobs in Virginia

Ex Police information

See Virginia salary details

$23.8K

$60.1K

$83.3K

How much do ex police jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for ex police in Virginia is $60,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,100.00 and $64,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ex police?

Ex-police officers are individuals who have previously served as members of a police force but are no longer employed in that role. They may have retired, resigned, or left the force for various reasons, including career changes or personal circumstances. Ex-police officers often have extensive training and experience in law enforcement, investigations, and public safety, which can be valuable in other professions such as security, private investigation, or consulting.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an ex police officer transitioning to civilian roles?

To thrive as a former police officer in civilian roles, you need strong investigative skills, situational awareness, and a background in law enforcement supported by police academy training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with security systems, incident reporting software, and legal compliance tools is often valuable. Strong soft skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication help build trust and manage conflicts. These skills are important because they enable smooth adaptation to new environments, ensure safety, and foster positive workplace relationships in a variety of fields.

What unique challenges might ex police officers face when transitioning to a civilian role, and how can they address them?

Ex-police officers often experience challenges such as adapting to less hierarchical workplace structures, translating their law enforcement skills into civilian terms, and adjusting to different communication styles. To address these, it's helpful to highlight transferable skills like leadership, crisis management, and attention to detail on your resume. Networking with professionals in your target industry and seeking mentorship can also ease the transition. Many organizations value the discipline and professionalism that ex-police bring, so framing your experience positively is key.

What is the difference between Ex Police vs Security Guard?

AspectEx PoliceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, law enforcement certificationSecurity license or certification, sometimes no formal training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public safety settingsPrivate security firms, commercial or residential properties
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, law enforcement agenciesPrivate companies, retail, events

Ex Police typically have law enforcement training and work within government agencies, focusing on public safety. Security Guards often have less formal training and work in private security roles. While both roles involve safety and surveillance, Ex Police are more equipped for law enforcement duties, whereas Security Guards focus on property protection.

What can I do as an ex-police officer?

Ex-police officers can pursue careers in private security, investigations, or consulting, leveraging their law enforcement experience. They often use skills such as surveillance, report writing, and conflict resolution, and may need additional certifications depending on the new role. Many also transition into roles in security management, training, or community outreach.

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 of these positions require relevant certifications or training and benefit from experience in investigation, report writing, and public safety. These roles often involve similar environments and responsibilities as police work.
Ex Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ex Police job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,108 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Police Recruit (Testing & Employment Opportunities)

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

City of Harrisonburg
See more jobs at City of Harrisonburgexternal

$49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 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.

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