ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Va Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVa Police Officer Jobs

Va Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do va police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for va police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cops get paid?

The average salary for a police officer in Virginia is around $55,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and department size. Entry-level officers typically start at lower salaries, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented with overtime and benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VA Police Officer, you need law enforcement training, knowledge of federal and VA regulations, and successful completion of required background checks and physical fitness standards. Familiarity with police communication systems, incident reporting software, and security equipment is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively interact with veterans, staff, and the public. These skills are crucial to ensure the safety and security of VA facilities while providing respectful and effective service to the veteran community.

What are VA Police Officers?

VA Police Officers are federal law enforcement officers who work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They are responsible for maintaining safety and security at VA medical centers and other VA facilities, protecting patients, staff, and visitors. Their duties include patrolling VA property, responding to emergencies, investigating incidents, and enforcing federal laws and VA regulations. VA Police Officers also provide support during crisis situations and work to ensure a safe environment for veterans receiving care.

Can 100% VA work as a cop?

A veteran can work as a police officer in Virginia if they meet the state's hiring requirements, including age, education, background checks, and physical fitness standards. Prior military experience can be advantageous but does not automatically qualify someone for law enforcement roles; applicants must complete the required police academy training and pass all certification exams.

What are some common challenges faced by VA Police Officers, and how can new officers prepare for them?

VA Police Officers often encounter unique challenges, such as working with a diverse veteran population that may have complex medical or mental health needs. New officers should be prepared for situations requiring de-escalation and compassionate communication. Additionally, navigating federal regulations and collaborating with healthcare professionals is a key part of the role. Proactive training in crisis intervention, familiarity with VA protocols, and strong interpersonal skills can help officers succeed in this environment.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

For a Virginia police officer, 27 is not too late to start a law enforcement career. Many police departments accept applicants in their late 20s and beyond, provided they meet age, education, and background requirements, and complete police academy training. Age limits vary by department, but generally, candidates in their late 20s can successfully become officers.

What are the requirements to be a VA police officer?

To become a VA police officer, applicants must typically be at least 21 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and pass physical fitness, background checks, and a polygraph exam. Candidates often need to complete police academy training and obtain relevant certifications such as CPR and first aid. Good communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment are also important.

What is the difference between Va Police Officer vs Va Security Guard?

AspectVa Police OfficerVa Security Guard
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy certification, valid driver’s licenseHigh school diploma or equivalent, security training certification
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrols, crime preventionPrivate or public property security, monitoring premises
Employer & IndustryGovernment, law enforcement agenciesPrivate security firms, businesses, institutions

Va Police Officers have law enforcement authority, undergo police academy training, and work in public safety roles. In contrast, Va Security Guards focus on property protection, typically with less extensive training, and do not have law enforcement powers. Both roles are essential for safety but differ significantly in responsibilities and authority.

More about Va Police Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Va Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Va Police Officer job openings:
What states have the most Va Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Va Police Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Va Police Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Va Police Officer jobs are:
Va Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Va Police Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$65K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Operations, Security and Preparedness (OSP), Police Service and is responsible for VAs nationwide security, preparedness, and law enforcement operations with primary focus on protective and investigative services at VA Healthcare System.Qualifications:Additional Conditions of Employment:
  • Firearms: VA Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property and must achieve and maintain qualifications/certification with the agency-approved firearms as condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922 (g) (9). ApplicantsMust qualify to be issued a firearm and semi-annually with assigned firearm, annually with an expandable Straight Baton (MEB), maintain a valid State or Commonwealth Driver's License and pass annual physical and psychosocial assessments.
  • Medical Exam: A medical exam is required.
  • VA Police Officers encounter people experiencing extreme poverty and personal hardship, such as separation from family who are difficult, hostile or distressed. Investigators also may witness drowning, vehicle accidents, and other tragedies. VA Police Officers are occasionally exposed to people who carry infectious diseases.
  • Applicants/employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others. They must possess emotional and mental stability. A psychological examination is required. In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant/employee. A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if the condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the position. For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position.
  • VA Police Officers may be expected to continue irregular duty hours either at the Medical Center, local police offices, or at court especially during investigations of serious criminal incidents. This type of working schedule may negatively affect or burden family responsibilities.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/12/2026.
Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience that provided knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property. Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills. Must have Law Enforcement experience with arrest authority; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills.
GS-06 Police Officer:
  • Specialized Experience: Applicant must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service (or equivalent pay band),that provided a knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property.
Specialized experience includes: maintaining order to protect life and property; taking initial complaints; interviewing witnesses; securing a crime scene and conducting limited searches; responding to emergency situations; gathering information and preparing reports; conducting routine patrol, traffic control, and traffic accident investigations.
Physical Demands: Much of the work involves on-site work requiring prolonged walking over flat and even surfaces, working in confined spaces, crouching, bending, crawling, standing, and climbing. The work requires outside exposure to all temperatures and loud noises. Also requires moderate to arduous physical exertion and possible exposure to personal danger, that may include apprehending and physically restraining subjects.
Work Environment: Some work is performed in an adequately lit and climate-controlled office. The position requires exposure to varying climate and environmental conditions, including cold and warm weather conditions and/or exposure to high noise levels and dangerous substances. Appropriate safety practices will always be utilized.
Travel: The position may require 10% or more travel away from the office.
Motor Vehicle Operation: The incumbent must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment and be available for frequent travel.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

Apply