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Police Captain Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Police Captain information

See Virginia salary details

$48.6K

$129.1K

$208.7K

How much do police captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for police captain in Virginia is $129,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,300.00 and $171,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police captain?

Police Captains are senior law enforcement officers who oversee and manage the operations of a police department or a specific division within it. They are responsible for supervising personnel, developing policies, coordinating investigations, and ensuring that their units comply with laws and departmental procedures. Police Captains also serve as liaisons between upper management and lower-ranking officers, and often represent their department in community meetings or public events. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining discipline, efficiency, and public trust within the police force.

What does a police captain do?

A police captain is a high-level officer in a police department who is typically responsible for an entire district or precinct. As a police captain, you answer to the police chief. Your job duties include allocating budget resources to each section of your division, analyzing crime data to determine trends in your area, and providing information to the press about ongoing or resolved investigations. You need strong leadership skills and significant experience as a police officer to be eligible for a job as a police captain.

How does a police captain typically support the professional development of their team members?

A Police Captain plays a pivotal role in mentoring and evaluating officers, providing regular feedback and guidance to promote both individual and team growth. Captains often identify training opportunities, facilitate workshops, and encourage officers to pursue specialized certifications or leadership programs. They also help set career goals during performance reviews and foster an environment where team members feel empowered to advance within the department. This supportive approach not only enhances team effectiveness but also strengthens retention and morale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and completion of advanced supervisory training or certifications such as FBI National Academy are often required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills help you lead teams effectively and maintain public trust. These competencies are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, upholding departmental standards, and fostering community safety.

What is the difference between Police Captain vs Police Lieutenant?

AspectPolice CaptainPolice Lieutenant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple precincts or divisions, administrative dutiesManages specific units or shifts, field supervision
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPolice Captain vs Police Lieutenant

The main difference between a Police Captain and a Police Lieutenant lies in their level of responsibility and scope of oversight. Police Captains typically oversee entire divisions or multiple precincts and focus on administrative and strategic planning. Police Lieutenants usually manage specific units or shifts, with a more direct role in field supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to law enforcement hierarchies, but their duties and areas of focus differ significantly.

Is it hard to be a police captain?

Being a police captain is a challenging role that requires extensive experience in law enforcement, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage personnel and operations effectively. It often involves long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and a thorough understanding of departmental policies and community relations.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Police Captain jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Police Captain job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in VA?

For Police Captain jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Captain job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,085 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Contract Security Officer (Contingent Upon Contract Award)

Diversified Protection Corporation

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

$48.39/hr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Contract Security Officer for Pentagon Force Protection Agency

Meadows One - Chantilly, VA

Pay Rate: $48.39 per hour

Full-Time positions available

Top Secret-SCI required

Objective The ability to effectively interact with the general public, DoD personnel and all ranks of military, civilians and visitors. This position is under the direct supervision of the site Captain for assigned shift of the security department and is responsible for the protection, safeguarding and security of assets, personnel, customers and all visitors.

Essential functions

Be able to read and understand the English language to effectively carry out applied printed rules, detailed orders, instructions, and training materials. Have a command of both the written and spoken English language to properly and clearly communicate in person or via electronic devices (telephone and radio) with co-workers and the general public. The ability to maintain a professional, tactful and courteous demeanor under stressful situations security personnel routinely encounter. Be able to compose in the English language precise short paragraphs, written reports, and other reports as necessary.

  • Performs security patrols.
  • Enforces access control procedures.
  • Protects property from theft, embezzlement, sabotage, fire and accidents.
  • Investigates and writes reports on accidents, incidents, suspicious activities, safety and fire hazards and other security related situations.
  • Provides any needed assistance to customers, employees and visitors following the department's procedures.
  • May perform other related duties as assigned by the site security Lieutenant/Captain and/or security Project Manager.

Candidate Qualifications:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must Be 21 years of age
  • Must be high school/GED graduate
  • Must have one of the following:
    • 3 years security experience OR
    • An associate's degree or at least 60 semester hours of college coursework in any field of study OR
    • 3 years of military service (active duty or reserve) with and honorable discharge OR
    • Successful completion of Police Officer's Standard Training (POST) course.
    • Must possess a clearance level of Top Secret-SCI issued by U.S. Department of Defense
    • Armed DCJS License required
    • Must be able to pass physical requirements

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

  • The applicant is required to submit to pre-employment medical exam and drug screening.
  • The applicant must be able to successfully meet the height and weight requirements as set forth by the governing contract.
  • The applicant must be able to pass an NLIC / State / Local Background check and Credit check (as applicable).
  • The applicant must be able to successfully complete a Physical Agility Test (PAT).
  • The applicant must be able to successfully complete a Firearms Qualification (FAQ).