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Personal Protection Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Security Officer

Mclean, VA

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Employee Discount at Bloomingdale's & Macy's Stores About Bloomingdale's makes fashion personal and ... Job Overview A Bloomingdale's Asset Protection Visual Security Officer's (VSO) primary role is to ...

Service Technician

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Controller's data protection officer is Greg Shultz, who can be contacted at Greg.Shultz@cortland.com. Your personal data will be processed for the purposes of managing Controller's recruitment ...

Site Supervisor

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site

$20.50/hr

Meets basic qualifications for Custom Protection Officer BENEFITS: * Health insurance and 401k plans for full-time positions * Schedules that fit with your personal life goals * Ongoing paid training ...

Be Seen First

About Us ICS Protective Services is a well-established, results-driven security firm with over 30 ... Reliable personal transportation to assigned sites * Professional appearance and demeanor at all ...

Site Supervisor

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$23/hr

Meets basic qualifications for Custom Protection Officer BENEFITS: * Health insurance and Eligible for our company's health and retirement plans * Schedules that fit with your personal life goals

Be Seen First

About Us ICS Protective Services is a well-established, results-driven security firm with over 30 ... Reliable personal transportation to assigned sites * Professional appearance and demeanor at all ...

Site Supervisor

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site

$20.50/hr

Meets basic qualifications for Custom Protection Officer BENEFITS: * Health insurance and 401k plans for full-time positions * Schedules that fit with your personal life goals * Ongoing paid training ...

Showing results 41-60

Personal Protection Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$61.6K

$102.6K

How much do personal protection officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for personal protection officer 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 is a personal protection officer?

Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) are security professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of individuals who may be at risk due to their status, occupation, or other factors. They are often employed to protect high-profile individuals such as executives, celebrities, diplomats, or politicians from potential threats like harassment, assault, or kidnapping. PPOs assess risks, plan security measures, and may accompany their clients during travel and public appearances. Their training typically includes defensive tactics, emergency response, and threat assessment. The role requires discretion, vigilance, and the ability to respond quickly to potential dangers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a personal protection officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Personal Protection Officer, you need expertise in threat assessment, defensive tactics, and security protocols, often backed by law enforcement or military experience and relevant certifications. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, communication devices, and firearms is typically required, with many roles mandating licensing and first aid training. Strong situational awareness, discretion, and excellent judgment are vital soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively protecting clients from potential threats while maintaining their safety and privacy.

What are some common challenges personal protection officers face when working with high-profile clients?

Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) working with high-profile clients often encounter challenges such as maintaining a balance between providing tight security and respecting the client's privacy and lifestyle. They must remain vigilant at all times, adapt quickly to changing schedules, and anticipate potential security threats in various environments. Additionally, PPOs frequently collaborate with other security professionals, law enforcement, and sometimes household staff to ensure seamless protection, which requires excellent communication and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Personal Protection Officer vs Bodyguard?

AspectPersonal Protection OfficerBodyguard
CredentialsSecurity training, certifications in protective servicesSecurity training, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentVaried settings including events, travel, personal residencesPrimarily close protection in public or private settings
Employer & IndustryPrivate clients, corporations, celebritiesHigh-profile individuals, celebrities, executives

Both roles involve protective duties, but a Personal Protection Officer often has broader responsibilities, including risk assessment and planning, while a bodyguard typically focuses on close physical protection. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but a Personal Protection Officer may have more comprehensive training and responsibilities.

How do you become a personal protection officer?

To become a personal protection officer, individuals typically need a background in security, law enforcement, or military service, along with relevant training in protective tactics and first aid. Many employers require certification such as the Close Protection Operatives license or similar credentials, and candidates often undergo background checks and physical fitness assessments.

What are popular job titles related to Personal Protection Officer jobs in Virginia?

For Personal Protection Officer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Personal Protection Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Personal Protection Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Personal Protection Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,615 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Police Officer (1+ Years Experience)

City of Norfolk

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

$61K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description Currently Accepting Applications: Virginia Certified Police Officers Certified Police Officers outside Virginia, within the United States Virginia In-State Jailor/Deputy Sheriff Lateral Transfers Norfolk Police http://www.npdjobs.com/: Norfolk Police Department (NPD) has a rich history of safeguarding lives, safeguarding property, preventing/investigating crime, and maintaining peace for the City of Norfolk. The department was established in 1797, covers 66 square miles, and protects over 244,000 residents. Hear from one of our own and join today

Click Here. Core Values of Norfolk Police: S.H.I.E.L.D. - Service, Honor, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, Diversity Norfolk Police Academy Information: Virginia Certified Police Officers - will participate in a 5-7 week academy training program at the Norfolk Police Department Training Center

The training provided will be all necessary Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and any NPD requirements. Certified Police Officers outside Virginia, within the United States - will participate in a 8 week academy training program. The academy will provide necessary training in legal, firearms, and driving and defensive tactics.

Virginia In-State Jailor/Sheriff Deputy - will participate in a 25-26 week academy training program to successfully complete the Virginia state certified police officer training at the Norfolk Police Academy. The academy will provide necessary training in classroom, physical fitness, and police situation simulation. Essential Functions Essential functions include, but are not limited to: Enforce state and local laws.

Performs patrol duties and responds to calls for service. Performs a variety of duties and tasks related to the protection of life, property, and the preservation of the constitutional rights of every citizen. Conducts criminal and traffic investigations, field interviews, serves warrants, subpoenas and other court papers.

Issues summons and makes arrests, watches for criminal, suspicious, or hazardous situations and takes appropriate policy action as necessary. Provides assistance and information to the public and assists in the prosecution of offenders. Maintains administrative requirements and provides public information.

Must be able to perform the physical aspects and meet the requirements and tests prescribed by the City's Civil Service Commission. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Education/Experience Work requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes.

Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency. Virginia Certified Police Officers: Graduation from a DCJS approved Basic Law Enforcement Police Academy. DCJS certification.

One (1) year of consecutive active service as a certified patrol officer for a municipal, county, and/or state law enforcement agency. Must be currently employed as a certified patrol officer, or separated no more than twelve (12) months. Certified Police Officers outside Virginia, within the United States: Graduation from a DCJS approved Basic Law Enforcement Police Academy.

DCJS certification. Three (3) years of consecutive active service as a certified patrol officer for a municipal, county, and/or state law enforcement agency. Must be currently employed as a certified patrol officer, or separated no more than twenty-four (24) months.

Virginia In-State Jailor/Sheriff Deputy: Graduation from a DCJS approved basic Jailor Academy. Jailor certification. One (1) year of consecutive active service as a Jailor/Deputy Sheriff for a municipal, county, and/or state law enforcement agency within Virginia.

Additional Information & Requirements Other Requirements: Valid Driver's License (prior to employment start date) . U.S. Citizen (born or naturalized)

Must successfully pass all entry level testing and assessments. To view all department specific Automatic Disqualifiers: CLICK HERE Overview of Process: Applicants must successfully complete the following steps. Physical Agility Test - events designed to simulate typical work-related situations, that require the ability to perform specific physical activities.

Obstacle Course completed in 2 minutes and 45 seconds Recommended Training Program for Applicants Psychological Examination - using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test (MMPI), used to assess personality traits and psychopathology, provided at City expense. Personal History Booklet - used to gather information of your personal history. Background Investigation - involves obtaining and verifying information related to prior employment, drug usage, personal and professional references and criminal records, DMV records and credit records.

Polygraph Examination - used to verify the background data disclosed in the Personal History Booklet and employment application, provided at City expense. Deception noted in the areas of the automatic disqualifiers may prevent further processing of your application. Medical Examination - includes medical physical and drug screen, provided at City expense.

Tobacco Use: Selected candidates will be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that they will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off-duty. Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus. The signing bonus will be paid upon completion of your probationary period.

To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing. Questions: For any questions, please email Police Recruiting.