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Prior Law Enforcement Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Enlisted • Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law Enforcement, Corrections/Parole, or as a Security ...

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Prior Law Enforcement information

What is prior law enforcement experience?

Prior law enforcement experience refers to having previously worked as a police officer, sheriff’s deputy, federal agent, or in a similar official capacity responsible for upholding and enforcing laws. This background typically involves formal training, field experience, and knowledge of criminal justice procedures. Many employers value prior law enforcement experience for jobs in security, investigations, or related fields because it demonstrates strong problem-solving, communication, and crisis management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prior law enforcement professional?

To thrive as a prior law enforcement professional, you need a solid background in criminal justice, investigative procedures, and law enforcement protocols, typically supported by police academy training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with crime databases, evidence management systems, and digital reporting tools is commonly required. Integrity, strong decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills that set top professionals apart. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safety, upholding justice, and successfully navigating high-pressure situations in law enforcement roles.

What are some common challenges faced by individuals transitioning from a prior law enforcement background into civilian roles?

Transitioning from a law enforcement career into civilian positions can present unique challenges, such as adapting to different workplace cultures, adjusting to less-structured environments, and translating law enforcement skills into business or corporate language. Many former officers find it helpful to focus on their strengths in leadership, problem-solving, and crisis management when applying for new roles. Networking with professionals in the target industry and seeking mentorship can also ease the transition and help identify roles where your experience is highly valued.

What is the difference between Prior Law Enforcement vs Security Officer?

AspectPrior Law EnforcementSecurity Officer
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, law enforcement certificationSecurity guard license, basic training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrols, investigationsPrivate security sites, malls, events
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, public safetyPrivate companies, property management

Prior Law Enforcement professionals typically have law enforcement certifications and work in public safety roles, while Security Officers focus on safeguarding property and people in private settings. Both roles require security-related training but differ in scope, responsibilities, and work environments.

What is a good job for a prior law enforcement officer?

A prior law enforcement officer can transition into roles such as security manager, private investigator, or compliance officer, leveraging skills in investigation, communication, and crisis management. Certifications like CPR, first aid, or security licenses can enhance job prospects, and experience with report writing and surveillance is valuable in these fields.

What jobs can a prior law enforcement transition to?

A prior law enforcement officer can transition to roles such as security manager, private investigator, corrections officer, or compliance specialist, leveraging skills in investigation, communication, and crisis management. Many of these positions require relevant certifications or training and benefit from experience in law enforcement procedures and report writing.

What are popular job titles related to Prior Law Enforcement jobs in Virginia?

For Prior Law Enforcement jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Prior Law Enforcement jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Prior Law Enforcement job openings:

Infographic showing various Prior Law Enforcement job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Supervisory Law Enforcement Program Manager

DHS Headquarters

Alexandria, VA • On-site, Remote

$147K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Protective Service (FPS).
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Supervisory Law Enforcement Program Manager/Branch Chief assigned to a Branch within the National Training Academy Division specializing in various areas including general law enforcement and the associated training management and development activities within the agency.
Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Supervisory Law Enforcement Program Manager, GS-1801-14, your typical work assignments may include:
  • Supervise course managers/instructors in law enforcement related training for students in post-basic through advanced level training.
  • Manage departmentwide training related to advanced law enforcement and criminal investigations related programs
  • Coordinate the use of training equipment, training facilities, and instructional aids.
  • Develop program policies, practices, and methods to ensure training programs are identified and provided for employees.
  • Oversee assigned law enforcement and/or non-law enforcement training programs and courses/curricula required for employees.
  • Secures resources to improve the effectiveness of assigned training programs and to meet mission-critical goals and operations' objectives.

All DHS-HQ announcements have a 5 business day open period due to the number of applications received. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first.
View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements.
  • This position requires a pre-employment drug test and a negative drug test result prior to appointment into the position must be achieved.
  • If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
  • DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
  • License required: Yes - Driver's License
  • Pre-employment physical required: Yes
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No
  • Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
  • Incumbent may be required to work administratively uncontrollable overtime.
  • Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level.
  • Supervisory Probationary Period: This is a supervisory position. Under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within one year of assignment to this position.
  • Essential Personnel: This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operational events without regard to declarations of unscheduled leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part. 752, as applicable).
  • Random Drug Testing: The incumbent of this position is subject to random drug testing.

Qualifications
Specialized Experience:
You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as:
  • Evaluating law enforcement training programs to determine effectiveness of curriculum and programs.
  • Conducting training courses which comply with law enforcement standards, policies, and directives; and
  • Supervising the work of subordinate staff (i.e., planning and assigning word, developing performance standards, determining training needs, administrating disciplinary actions).

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
You must also meet the following:
  • Law Enforcement: As required, the incumbent must maintain law enforcement qualifications and proficiencies and possess law enforcement authority under Title 40 of the United States Code, Section 1315, and may exercise such authority to provide investigative and law enforcement services to customer agencies, Federal employees and members of the public located and/or conducting business in government-owned or leased properties. When vested with 40 USC 1315 authority, the following requirements must also be met:
  • Pre-Employment Medical Requirement: Prior to appointment, the person selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, which may include protecting citizens, taking suspects into custody using reasonable physical force in the face of physical resistance and responding to situations requiring physical agility and quick and legally sufficient decision making. Also, must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination (which includes, but is not limited to vision, hearing, cardiovascular and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. This position may be subject to periodic incumbent examinations in the future.
  • Travel: The incumbent will be required to travel frequently.
  • Mobility Agreement: This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to different geographic locations. Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment Motor Vehicle Operation: The incumbent must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment and be available for frequent travel.
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: The incumbent must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment and be available for frequent travel.
  • Firearms Requirement: The incumbent will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position and maintain mandatory firearms proficiency. The incumbent must satisfactorily complete ( or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program (CITP) or Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) as applicable. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition.

Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement.
Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
N/A
Additional information
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Top Secret Clearance as a condition of placement in this Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.