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Va Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Va Police Officer information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do va police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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.

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.

How much do VA cops make?

Virginia police officers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level officers usually start at the lower end of this range, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn higher wages. Benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans are also commonly included.

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?

The Virginia Police Officer hiring process typically requires candidates to be at least 21 years old and meet physical and educational requirements. Age limits vary by department, but many agencies accept applicants up to their early 30s, so 27 is generally not too late to pursue a law enforcement career. Prior experience, fitness, and training are important factors in the application process.

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.

How to become a VA Police officer?

To become a VA Police officer, applicants must meet age and education requirements, pass a background check, complete a police academy training program, and obtain certification from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Candidates should also demonstrate good physical fitness and communication skills, and may need to pass written exams and psychological evaluations.

Can you make 300k as a cop?

Virginia police officers typically do not earn $300,000 annually; their salaries are generally lower, though higher-ranking officers or those with specialized skills and overtime can earn more. Achieving a salary of $300,000 would require advanced positions, extensive experience, or additional roles such as supervisory or administrative duties, often combined with overtime or bonuses.
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:
Infographic showing various Va Police Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Security and Preparedness (OSP), Field Operations Division, VA Police Service. The mission of the VA Police Service is to provide law enforcement, protective services, and investigative services to the VA Community, which includes Veterans, federal employees, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and others who receive services, work, or visit VA (VHA, VBA, & VCA) facilities nationwide.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, 07/27/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-8. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-8 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
  • 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.
GS-09 Policer Officer Supervisory:
Specialized Experience:
  • Reviews and approves work plans, priorities, and resource allocations proposed by subordinate supervisors; provides guidance on adjustments as necessary to meet organizational objectives.
  • Establishes performance expectations for subordinate supervisors and evaluates their effectiveness in managing staff and achieving results.
  • Approves recommendations for appointments, promotions, reassignments, and other personnel actions, ensuring alignment with organizational needs.
  • Addresses complex complaints and employee relations issues elevated by subordinate supervisors and recommends appropriate actions in severe cases.
  • Reviews and approves disciplinary actions proposed by subordinate supervisors for compliance and appropriateness.
  • Identifies systemic training and development needs and ensures subordinate supervisors implement programs to build workforce capability.
  • Provides input on budget and staffing requirements for the organization to ensure mission objectives are met. Promotes and enforces compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and affirmative action plans across all subordinate units.
  • Maintains a positive organizational climate by monitoring workplace conditions and taking proactive steps to resolve systemic issues and foster employee engagement.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Criminal Law
  • Decision Making
  • Leadership
  • Managing Human Resources
  • Teaching Others

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; religions; 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.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
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. Also requires moderate to arduous physical exertion and possible exposure to personal danger.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Some work is performed in an adequately lighted 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.
FIREARMS REQUIREMENT: The incumbent will be required to carry a firearm while performing the duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.
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:There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
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