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Police Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Lynchburg, VA

Police Officer 2026

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. * ADDITIONAL $5,000 BONUS GIVEN UPON POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATION* LPD Hiring Process * Complete this Application

City of Fairfax

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA

$65K - $110K/yr

As directed, officers answer emergency calls and complaints involving suspicious and criminal ... Additionally, all sworn police department employees must comply with departmental appearance ...

City of Lynchburg

Police Officer 2026

Lynchburg, VA

$50K/yr

Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. * ADDITIONAL $5,000 BONUS GIVEN UPON POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATION* LPD Hiring Process Complete this Application ...

Louisiana State University

Police Officer 3

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$21.27/hr

Differs from Police Sergeant by the absence of direct supervisory responsibility. EXAMPLES OF WORK: EXAMPLES BELOW ARE A BRIEF SAMPLE OF COMMON DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS JOB TITLE. NOT ALL POSSIBLE ...

New

City of Alexandria, VA

Police Officer I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$75K/yr

Southern States Police Benevolent Association Police Officer I Are you looking to make a direct impact in the community you serve? If so, the City of Alexandria's Police Department is encouraging you ...

LSU AgCenter

Police Officer 3

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$21.27/hr

Differs from Police Sergeant by the absence of direct supervisory responsibility. EXAMPLES OF WORK: EXAMPLES BELOW ARE A BRIEF SAMPLE OF COMMON DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS JOB TITLE. NOT ALL POSSIBLE ...

New

City of Alexandria

Police Officer I

Alexandria, VA

$75K/yr

Police Officer I Are you looking to make a direct impact in the community you serve. If so, the City of Alexandria's Police Department is encouraging you to apply for their Police Office I position.

University of Virginia

Police Officer

Wise, VA · On-site

$46K - $52K/yr

The Police Officer is responsible for helping maintain a safe and secure campus environment ... Contact Questions regarding this position should be directed to Hannah Addington, Human Resources ...

Fairfax County, VA

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$74K - $132K/yr

Police Opening Date: 01/03/2026 Closing Date: 12/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Pay Grade: O18 Posting ... Responds to emergencies as directed by mobile display terminal, radio, or telephone; * Uses radio ...

City of Fairfax

Certified Police Officer

Fairfax, VA

$65K - $110K/yr

As directed, officers answer emergency calls and complaints involving suspicious and criminal ... Additionally, all sworn police department employees must comply with departmental appearance ...

Fairfax County

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA

$74K - $132K/yr

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is looking for individuals to join our team to provide ... Responds to emergencies as directed by mobile display terminal, radio, or telephone; Uses radio and ...

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All JobsPolice JobsPolice Director JobsPolice Director Jobs in Virginia

Police Director information

See Virginia salary details

$20.4K

$74K

$164.8K

How much do police director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for police director in Virginia is $73,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,846.00 and $92,390.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police director?

Police Directors are senior law enforcement officials responsible for overseeing the management and administration of a police department or agency. Their duties typically include setting departmental policies, supervising high-ranking officers, managing budgets, and ensuring the effective enforcement of laws and regulations. Police Directors often serve as the public face of the department, working with community leaders and government officials to address public safety concerns. Unlike police chiefs, who may sometimes focus more on operational leadership, Police Directors often emphasize the strategic and administrative aspects of law enforcement.

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

To thrive as a Police Director, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with crime analysis software, law enforcement databases, and incident reporting systems is essential, along with relevant certifications in police administration or leadership. Excellent decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills distinguish top-performing Police Directors. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective department operations, maintaining public safety, and building community trust.

What are some common challenges faced by a police director in managing a diverse law enforcement team?

A Police Director often navigates challenges such as uniting officers with varied backgrounds and experiences, addressing differing perspectives on policing strategies, and ensuring consistent adherence to department policies. Balancing administrative duties with on-the-ground leadership requires strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving community expectations and integrating new technologies or procedures can present ongoing hurdles, making continuous professional development and team engagement crucial.

What is the difference between Police Director vs Police Chief?

AspectPolice DirectorPolice Chief
Required CredentialsLaw enforcement experience, leadership skills, possibly advanced degreesLaw enforcement experience, leadership skills, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically oversees multiple departments or entire police agencies, strategic planningManages daily operations of a specific police department, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in city, county, or state agencies; more common in larger jurisdictionsCommon in municipal police departments across various regions
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing leadership roles in law enforcementIndividuals seeking info on police department leadership positions

While both roles involve law enforcement leadership, a Police Director typically oversees broader agency strategies and multiple departments, whereas a Police Chief manages daily operations within a specific police department. The choice depends on the size of the jurisdiction and organizational structure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Police Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Police Director job openings:

Police Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,965 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT

Newport News, VA • On-site

City of Newport News
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 852 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about City of Newport Newsexternal

$55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT
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Salary Starting at $55,960.00 Want to know why joining the Newport News Police Department is a great career move?
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Location : POLICE
Job Family : PUBLIC SAFETY
Posting Start : 07/06/2026
Posting End : 12/31/2026
Details :
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