Police Officer

Job Description

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well‑being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments.

• Investigating motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, and criminal matters.
• Enforcement of state and federal laws and University policies.
• Preparation of reports and courtroom testimony.
• Traffic direction and crowd control.
• Response to emergency situations.
• Extended foot patrol.
• Working a rotating shift that includes weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Reporting for duty in adverse weather conditions and/or when the university is otherwise closed.
• Adhering to all criteria established for a Nationally Accredited Police Department.
• Performing other duties as requested by supervisor.
• Taking initiative to support the best interests of the department and a healthy work environment.
• Striving to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct, Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community, and supporting the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

• Experience with writing reports or similar documents.
• Experience working with the public.
• Demonstrated computer experience.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the university community.
• Ability to give credible court testimony and comprehend legal documents.
• Ability to use independent judgment and exercise considerable restraint under stressful situations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds in adverse conditions.
• Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to recognize safety and security hazards on campus and take appropriate corrective action.

• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities.
• Ability to run, jump, climb stairs, bend, lift, and physically restrain an individual as needed.
• Ability to perform duties on bicycle, vehicle, or foot.
• Must pass a physical abilities test by running 1.5 miles within 20 minutes.
• Must be able to use a respirator.
• Following a conditional offer, one must pass a medical exam, including vision testing.

• Candidates must complete an extensive background check and credit history check, including driving records, criminal history (fingerprinting), and a pre‑employment drug screening.
• Incumbents are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post‑accident drug and alcohol screening in accordance with department policy.
• Successful completion of a psychological assessment is required.

• Must be a U.S. citizen as required by Virginia Code Section 15.2‑1705.
• Must qualify under federal and state guidelines to carry a firearm. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor domestic‑violence crime from carrying a firearm.
• Must be a high‑school graduate or provide documentary evidence of equivalency degree.
• Must currently possess a valid Virginia Operator's License or obtain it within 30 days of employment.
• Must meet vision requirements: no worse than 20/200 uncorrected, must correct to 20/20; color blindness, including pronounced shade deficiencies, will be disqualifying.
• Must be at least 20 years of age on the date of hire.
• Must meet all other standards by law and by the policy of the Criminal Justice Services Board.

• Current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certification at the time of hire.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police science, or a related field.
• Previous military experience.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction and driving check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Megan Hinkle at mahinkle during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.