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Police Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Martinsville

Police Officer

Martinsville, VA

$51K/yr

Police Officer Department: Police Reports To: Sergeant/Lieutenant Classification: Grade 11 FLSA ... Work involves an element of personal danger, and employees must be able to act without direct ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

City of Alexandria, VA

Police Officer I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$63K - $114K/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 ...

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 Alexandria

Police Officer I

Alexandria, VA

$63K - $114K/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.

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 ...

City of Fairfax

Certified Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$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 Government

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

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 ...

US Department of the Army

Police Officer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$40K/yr

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the ... Successful completion of a Federal, State, county, or municipal police academy or comparable ...

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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 6, 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, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,965 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Police Wellness Director

JAMES CITY COUNTY

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$84K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

James City County rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

755th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Police Wellness Director

Apply now Job no: 40000418
Work type: Full Time
Location: Williamsburg
Categories: Law Enforcement

Job Summary

$84,397 / year or higher DOQ + Full-Time County Benefits 

The Police Wellness Director leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive wellness strategies that support the physical, psychological, and emotional health of sworn and civilian personnel. This role designs proactive and responsive programs that address occupational stress, trauma exposure, resilience, peer support, fitness, and behavioral health resources.

Responsibilities

Develops and executes wellness strategies and initiatives to create a healthy environment for public safety agencies.
Designs evidence-based wellness programs that address stress management, trauma of sworn and non-sworn employees to improve overall health and quality of life for all public safety employees.
Assesses and implements programming for mental wellness based on current trends and critical needs of the agency. Creates resources that will educate and encourage employees to make healthy lifestyle choices in key areas.
Oversees support programs and critical incident response protocols while developing policies for post-critical incident debriefings and wellness check-ins.
Analyzes incident reports and data available to identify injury and illness trends and attends to areas of need for increased training.
Works with Command Staff to establish short- and long-term goals for health and wellness initiatives to support overall well-being.
Conducts workshops, training sessions, and challenges for fitness and mental wellness to support mental and physical health initiatives.
Prepares reports and presentations to communicate program effectiveness, participation, health metrics, and employee feedback.
Conducts proactive ride-alongs to provide support and observation based on departmental needs.
Be available and coordinate access for counseling, Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and behavioral health providers for public safety agencies for involvement in critical incidents, issues with home life, workplace, or any other situations that could affect their mental well-being.
Provides referrals to necessary clinical services and maintains a comprehensive list of community providers available to public safety employees.
Provides guidance and support to all public safety agencies as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field and seven years of relevant experience.
Trauma-focused treatment modality certification and license-eligible preferred.
Must possess or be able to obtain within 30 days after hire, a valid Virginia driver's license and have an acceptable driving record based on James City County's criteria.
Knowledge of working in a community-based setting or public safety.
Ability to develop fitness and wellness programs and services.
Strong program development and evaluation skills.
Demonstrate strong presentation skills to effectively implement programming to all employees.
Skill in use of computer software and digital record keeping, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
Responsible for confidential materials.

Click here for full job description. Accepting applications until August 16, 2026. Cover letters and resumes may also be attached, but a fully completed application is required for your application to be considered.

James City County is dedicated to building a diverse workforce and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. If you need assistance with completing the employment application, please contact the HR Department at 757-253-6680 or email HR.Recruit@jamescitycountyva.gov.

Advertised: 17 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 16 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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