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State Police Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

Learn more about a career as a Police Officer with Arlington County. Responsibilities Joining our ... Collaborate with other regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who are dedicated to ...

Must obtain VCIN certification and state certification as a Police Officer within one year of hire. Must pass the ODU Police Department physical abilities test. Must pass a Police Officer Selection ...

Police Officer

Radford, VA · On-site

$54K - $60K/yr

Police Officer Job no: 55000143 Work type: Classified Staff Location: Radford Categories: Public ... applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal ...

Police Officer

Radford, VA · On-site

$54K - $60K/yr

Police Officer Application Review Date: Ongoing Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus The ... applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal ...

Police Officer

VA · On-site

$74K - $133K/yr

In/Out of State Certified Officers Credit: Certified Officers will receive additional benefits: * Officers with prior police experience outside of Prince William County, who are certified as Virginia ...

Police Officer

Wise, VA · On-site

$46K - $52K/yr

The Police Officer is responsible for helping maintain a safe and secure campus environment ... federal, state, and college laws and regulations, and providing security at campus events ...

Police Officer 3

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$21.27/hr

Louisiana State University of Alexandria is a publicly supported institution that provides ... Police Officer 3 Position Type:Classified Department:LSUA FA - Police - Uniform Patrol (Albert M ...

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State Police Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$61.6K

$102.6K

How much do state police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for state police officer in Virginia is $61,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $73,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state police officer?

State Police Officers are law enforcement officials employed by a state government to enforce laws and maintain public safety across the state, particularly on highways and in areas without local police coverage. Their duties often include traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and providing assistance to local law enforcement agencies. State Police may also be known as State Troopers in some states. They receive specialized training and have jurisdiction that extends throughout the entire state. State Police play a crucial role in maintaining order and responding to emergencies on a statewide level.

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

To thrive as a State Police Officer, you need a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement procedures, state laws, and investigative techniques, usually supported by police academy training and state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, communication systems, and firearms is essential for daily operations. Strong decision-making, integrity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for handling high-pressure situations and interacting with the public. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws fairly, and building community trust.

What are some common challenges state police officers face during multi-jurisdictional investigations?

State Police Officers often collaborate with local, federal, and other state law enforcement agencies, especially during investigations that cross city or county lines. Coordinating communication, aligning protocols, and sharing sensitive information securely can present challenges. Officers must be adaptable, maintain professionalism, and have strong interpersonal skills to ensure smooth cooperation and efficient case progress. These experiences also offer valuable opportunities to develop investigative expertise and build important professional networks.

What is the difference between State Police Officer vs Highway Patrol Officer?

AspectState Police OfficerHighway Patrol Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy certificationHigh school diploma, police academy certification
Work EnvironmentStatewide law enforcement, including criminal investigationsRoadways, highways, traffic enforcement
Employer & IndustryState government agencies, criminal justiceState highway departments, transportation agencies

Both State Police Officers and Highway Patrol Officers require similar credentials and often work within state law enforcement agencies. While State Police Officers handle a broad range of duties including criminal investigations, Highway Patrol Officers primarily focus on traffic enforcement and highway safety. The roles are closely related, with overlapping responsibilities, but differ mainly in scope and specific duties.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for State Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most State Police Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various State Police Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,615 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Police Officer Entry Level

Manassas, VA • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Salary : $68,452.80 Annually
Location : Manassas Police Station, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 12-00976
Department: Police
Opening Date: 03/05/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: PS2
Position Summary
Applications are being accepted to establish an eligibility list for Police Officer positions at the Manassas City Police Department. After a comprehensive hiring process, applicants selected for hire must satisfactorily complete a 20-week course at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy.
The purpose of this position is to protect life and property; respond to the needs of the general public; deter criminal activity within the community; enforce all state and local ordinances and laws; and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens by performing investigations, special details, and specific assignments.
Essential Job Functions
  • Enforces all applicable city, state and federal laws.
  • Conducts criminal investigations, patrols assigned area and assists in emergency situations.
  • Reviews all documents, papers and notes related to an investigation to allow for knowledgeable courtroom testimony.
  • Speaks with, and interacts with citizens to establish rapport and trust.
  • Establishes probable cause, issues summons, completes criminal complaints, and testifies to Magistrate during probable cause hearings for adult custodial arrests.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the use of issued or assigned equipment to include: issued firearm, ASP, Taser, OC, PBT, camera, patrol rifle, mobile date terminal, less-than-lethal munitions, body worn cameras and patrol shield.
Please note there are several steps to this process. They are as follows:
  • Complete Online Application / Supplemental Questionnaire
  • Physical Agility Test
  • Preliminary Background Check
  • Preliminary Interview
  • Conditional Job Offer
  • Background Investigation
  • Polygraph
  • Video Based Test (Interpersonal Communication & Decision Making Test)
  • Final Interview
  • Psychological Exam
  • Medical Screening to include drug test

For more information about the Police Department go to:
The City of Manassas, Virginia, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Minimum Required Qualifications
High School diploma or GED; Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must meet the minimum requirements set forth by of the Code of Virginia.
Must successfully complete required law enforcement training.
Special Requirements
Must be able to pass a background investigation, poly, physical/medical, drug test, and psych exam.
Because this position is open as an eligibility list, it may take several weeks or months before you are notified about upcoming physical agility exam dates. Dates are only released a few times a year based on departmental needs. We appreciate your patience during this process.
**Disclaimer: The use of tobacco products is a disqualifier for consideration of this position and any future applications.**
The City of Manassas offers a variety of comprehensive benefits packages, participation in the Virginia State Retirement program, generous annual and sick leave and 13 paid holidays for full-time employees! For a full review of the City's benefits plans, please visit our Human Resources website at:
01
Do you have a Bachelor Degree or above?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Education (Highest Attained)
  • No High School or GED
  • High School Diploma or GED (Outside of Manassas City, Manassas Park, or Prince William County)
  • High School Diploma or GED (Alumni of Manassas City, Manassas Park, or Prince William County)
  • Some College (less than 60 credits)
  • Associates Degree (Any Field)
  • Associates Degree (Law Enforcement Related Field)
  • B.A. or B.S. Degree (Any Field)
  • B.A. or B.S. Degree (Law Enforcement Related Field)
  • Master's Degree (Any Field)
  • Master's Degree (Law Enforcement Related Field)
  • Doctorate Degree

03
Have you maintained consistent full-time employment with the same employer for the past five (5) years?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have any criminal justice experience? (This includes law enforcement, corrections, internships, etc.)
  • Yes
  • No

05
Law Enforcement Certification (Current Only)
  • None
  • Not Sworn (Jail, Probation, Civilian, Intern, etc.)
  • Federal, Military Police, or P.O.S.T. Certification (Out of State)
  • VA DCJS Certified Law Enforcement Officer

06
Certified Law Enforcement Experience
  • None
  • Out of State Police experience (Less than 5 years)
  • Out of State Police experience (5 or more years)
  • Virginia (Less than 5 years)
  • Virginia (5 or more years)

07
What VA certifications do you hold? (Please attach copies)
  • Crisis Intervention Team
  • DCJS Certified Instructor
  • Other

08
Are you a veteran with the United States Armed Forces?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Military Service
  • Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge
  • None
  • other than Honorable, or General Discharge
  • Honorable Discharge or current (Less than 4 years of service)
  • Honorable Discharge or current (4 or more years of service)

10
Are you bilingual?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Foreign Language (Spanish)
  • None
  • Fluent, Other than Spanish
  • Fluent, Spanish
  • Fluent in two or more foreign languages

12
Are you a current resident of Manassas City, Manassas Park, or Prince William County or a high school alumni of Manassas, Manassas Park, or Prince William County (Public or Private)?
  • Yes
  • No

13
VA Residence History
  • None
  • Resides in VA outside of the Prince William County area
  • Current or former (over 10 years) resident of Manassas, Manassas Park, or Prince William County

14
Drug Use
  • Use of marijuana within the last 30 days
  • Use of illegal narcotic within one year (Cocaine, mushrooms, etc.)
  • Marijuana use more than 1 year ago
  • Alcohol Related Incidents (Driving While Intoxicated, Intoxicated in Public, etc)
  • Other illegal Narcotic Use Over Three Years
  • Never Used Drugs / No alcohol related incidents

15
Driving History
  • Currently suspended, no license, -6 points, or 6 demerit points in 2 years
  • Negative Point Balance
  • Positive Point Balance

16
Arrest History
  • Any Felony conviction
  • Pending charges not yet handled in court
  • Any (other than felony) conviction
  • Arrested, not convicted
  • Never been arrested

17
Are you at least 21 years old at the time of application?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question