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Police Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

Graduation from a community college in social or police science is desirable. Possession of a valid driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Vision requirements standard is 20/30 in ...

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

Description Applications are now being accepted for Police Officer positions in the City of Fairfax Police Department. After a comprehensive hiring process, applicants selected for hire must ...

Police Officer

Wise, VA · On-site

$46K - $52K/yr

The Police Officer is responsible for helping maintain a safe and secure campus environment. Primary duties include patrolling campus grounds and buildings, responding to calls for service and ...

Police Officer (Recruit)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$55K - $84K/yr

Police Headquarters, 111 Henley Place, Suffolk, VA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 04612 Department: POLICE Opening Date: 08/03/2026 Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Description *** SIGNING ...

Police Department Division: Police Department Opening Date: 11/25/2025 Closing Date: 1/1/2027 12:00 AM Eastern FLSA: Non-Exempt Description Duties and Responsibilities: * On assigned shift, operate a ...

Certified Police Officer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$58K - $71K/yr

POLICE Opening Date: 07/02/2026 Closing Date: 10/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern FLSA: Non-Exempt Function Are you committed to public service, professionalism, and a peaceful community? Make a real ...

Alexandria Police Department Division: FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU Opening Date: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Bargaining Unit: Southern States Police Benevolent Association Police Officer I Are ...

Showing results 41-60

Police information

See Virginia salary details

$23.8K

$60.1K

$83.3K

How much do police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative procedures, and physical fitness, typically acquired through police academy training and, in many cases, a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body cameras, and radio communication systems is essential for effective fieldwork. Excellent judgment, strong communication, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling high-stress situations and interacting with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for upholding public safety, enforcing laws fairly, and building community trust.

What do police officers do?

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and meeting citation quotas in their jurisdiction. As a police officer, you patrol the community, investigate crime, make arrests, and issue citations for parking, traffic, and other minor violations. Your main duty is maintaining public order and protecting property. You may work independently or with a partner, and you complete your patrols in a car, on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback. You have training in weapons use in case of any situation in which you fear for your safety.

What are some of the typical challenges police officers face during their daily shifts?

Police officers frequently encounter unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as responding to emergency calls, handling disputes, or managing high-stress incidents. Balancing community engagement with enforcing laws can also be challenging, as officers must build trust while maintaining authority. Additionally, officers often work in shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, which can impact work-life balance. Despite these challenges, strong teamwork, ongoing training, and support from colleagues help officers navigate the complexities of the role.

What is the difference between Police vs Security Guard?

AspectPoliceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, police academy certification, sometimes college degreeSecurity guard training, certification varies by state, sometimes no formal education required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public spaces, crime scenes, emergency situationsPrivate properties, malls, events, corporate buildings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law enforcementPrivate security companies, businesses

Police officers and security guards both focus on safety and security, but police have law enforcement authority, undergo extensive training, and handle criminal investigations. Security guards primarily monitor property, prevent theft, and provide access control. The roles differ mainly in authority, training, and work environment.

Is it hard to get a police job?

Getting a police job can be competitive and typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as age, education, and background checks. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, written exams, and interviews, and may also need to complete police academy training before being hired.

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 jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Police job openings:

Infographic showing various Police job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,108 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Police Records Specialist

City of Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary : $46,904.00 - $55,307.20 Annually
Location : Police Department, 606 East Market Street, Charlottesville (22902), VA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 260800007
Department: Police Department
Division: Police Administration
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A
General Summary
This is a 24-hour operation which requires shift work and scheduling flexibility. As a Police Records Specialist, you will be responsible for handling skilled clerical tasks such as data entry, processing and records filing. The incumbent will act as the go-to person for police references, answering phone and in-person inquiries, handling non-emergency radio messages. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Management Services Supervisor and/or Law Enforcement Records Supervisor.
The sworn personnel rely on Police Records Specialist's to provide accurate records and information that will help them achieve the police department's objectives, which include Prevention of Crime, Deterrence of Crime, Apprehension of Offenders, Recovery and Return of Property, Maintenance of Order. To learn more about the Charlottesville Police Department, please visit:
The preferred hiring range for this position is $22.55 - $26.59 (46,904.00 - $55,307.20), with starting pay based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following leave and retirement benefits:
  • Vacation Leave: 3.09 hours accrued bi-weekly (increases with YOS).
  • Sick Leave: 4.62 hours accrued bi-weekly, approx. 120 hours per year with no limit on accumulation.
  • 13 Paid Observed City Holidays
  • 1 Floating Holiday which must be taken during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
  • Choice of retirement plan:
    • Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
    • Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
  • Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan
The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
  • Provides exceptional customer service to police personnel and citizens.
  • Acts as a receptionist and police information person.
  • Answers telephone inquiries relating to general departmental and City information as well as police procedures and policies.
  • Relays and dispatches messages by radio and teletype as required to communicate with and respond to officers.
  • Assists officers as requested, or "walk-in" individuals as needed by contacting appropriate social and community services to arrange for shelter, assistance or whatever can be provided by distressed, dislocated or victimized citizens.
  • Operates Virginia State Police VCIN teletype system; files hard copies of records after computer entry has been done and checked.
  • Enters and verifies a variety of reports and records in the police computerized records management system.
  • Types, copies, distributes, files, and cross references a variety of police documents and reports.
  • Inputs records from previous shift's activities and prepares file of latest information for handling by oncoming shift Sergeant.
  • Expunges and purges records according to court order.
  • Retrieves, assembles, and analyzes data in preparation of the generation of specialized reports.
  • Runs "Outstanding Arrest Warrant Checks" as appropriate and locates the actual warrant, including contacting bailiff of individuals against whom warrants are outstanding.
  • Codes and inputs warrants/protective orders based on order of importance, and codes reports for computerized and manual filing systems.
  • Prepares/mails letters to individuals notifying them of outstanding warrants.
  • Registers taxicab drivers per City ordinance.
  • Reviews court dockets and ensures necessary paperwork is forwarded to the appropriate court.
  • Receives, verifies, and deposits money received from the public (check, cash, and credit card) for copies of police reports and fingerprinting services to the Treasurer's Office.
  • Checks forms, records, reports, applications and other materials for accuracy, completeness and conformity in accordance with established procedures.
  • Assists with cleanliness and order of records spaces and associated facilities.
  • Processes incoming, outgoing, and intradepartmental mail.
  • Maintains the highest degree of confidentiality and sensitivity with classified and delicate police information.
  • Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
  • Regular and reliable attendance.
Other Duties
  • Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.
Education, Experience and Skills
Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.
  • High school diploma or GED.
Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must obtain and maintain State certification for VCIN and NCIC.
  • Ability and willingness to work any shift or days off, including the ability to work extra shifts as needed. Willingness to accept periodic changes in work schedule
  • Must have not been convicted of any felony or serious misdemeanor or be a user of any controlled substances.
  • Required to successfully pass an extensive criminal history pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Preferred:
  • College degree.
  • Fluency in language(s) other than English.
  • Some prior work experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Job Knowledge
  • Familiarity with different types of records, computerized information systems, and other local and regional law enforcement agencies, relevant community resources, services and activities, regional geography, roads, and landmarks, and techniques for handling difficult people.
  • General knowledge of basic radio communications procedures; General knowledge of various police communication systems; Proficient knowledge of Information and Management Services duties/procedures, including proficient keyboarding skills.
  • Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, and terminology applicable to the job; including NCIC/VCIN and basic understanding of Virginia court system and the nature of how warrants and protective orders go through different systems and how they correlate with one another.
Reading
  • Intermediate: ability read, understand, and interpret policies, procedures, newspapers, journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials, such as City ordinances, state and federal laws, police policies, court documents, spreadsheets, and reports. Reviews documents for professional, technical, and content errors.
Writing
  • Intermediate: ability to organize data and write clear and concise reports, prepare business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech; such as computer records, written guidance regarding records and appropriate organizational methods. Ability to compose documents and reports that analyze, synthesize and convey complex information accurately and professionally.
Math
  • Basic: ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
Communication Skills
  • Basic: Establishes and maintain effective working relationship and rapport with co-workers, supervisors, citizens, and the public. Provides basic information to others outside direct reporting relationships on procedures, issues, or general policies with clarity. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to deal courteously but firmly with individuals. Ability to evaluate what is being communicated to provide best information, advice and referrals in performing recordkeeping, data input, retrieval and relaying of information in precise, detail-oriented, thorough and consistent manner. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach understanding and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Ability to provide information and guidance that assists others in making decisions.
Independence and Decision-Making
  • Requires General Direction: normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance is reviewed frequently.
  • Makes decisions on what calls need to be transferred to City Emergency Communications and which calls can be answered by Records Division without further assistance. Serves as a resource to less experienced workers in matters of records and documents management. Demonstrates the ability to solve more difficult records and management problems under general supervision.
Technical Skills
  • Basic: uses standard technical skills appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Ability to enter and retrieve data from computerized/teletype files accurately and at a reasonable rate of speed with accuracy. Possesses basic understanding of available technology. Demonstrates skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications and departmental systems, software, and equipment.
Fiscal Responsibilities
  • No budgetary responsibilities. However, may handle monies and prepare/enter purchasing documents information for payment.
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.
Other Characteristics
  • Organization, detail-oriented, and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints.
  • Effective customer service skills.
  • Emergency response.
  • Frequent change of tasks.
  • Working closely with others as part of a team.
  • Tedious or exacting work.
  • Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Constant interruptions and requests for service.
  • Work effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.
  • Non-traditional work schedule. Position may be required to work weekends, nights, holidays, standby/on-call, emergency on-call, and/or weather-related emergency on-call.
  • May be required to work additional hours outside normal schedule.
  • May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
Physical Conditions & Additional Information
Physical Demands
  • Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Work requires grasping, repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and/or fingers; typing; standing, pushing/pulling, and lifting. Requires adequate talking, hearing and seeing.
  • Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations;
  • Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:
  • Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.
Work Environment
  • Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and preg