Police Officer I - January 2027 Academy Session

Police Officer I
- January 2027 Academy Session

The City of Falls Church Police Department is a highly respected, professional public safety agency committed to providing the highest level of service that our community expects. Located six miles from Washington D.C., the City of Falls Church is an independent City, separate from neighboring Arlington and Fairfax Counties, with its own school system, municipal government, and police department. At just over 2 square miles in area, "The Little City" is known for its urban village community, quality customer service, and independent spirit.

The City of Falls Church Police Department is hiring motivated individuals who are looking to start a career as a police officer. The City of Falls Church is a culturally diverse community, and we welcome all applicants who are motivated, mission oriented, and committed to upholding the core values of the Police Department:
Protection of Life, Community Engagement, Respect, Accountability & Integrity, Fairness, Professionalism, and Innovation.

The City of Falls Church Police Department offers opportunities in a variety of divisions and specialized assignments, including patrol, investigations, K-9, traffic, community services, and School Resource Officers. Our department strongly values and supports professional development by providing continuous training and educational opportunities. All officers participate in ongoing training throughout their career to learn new skills, strengthen current ones, and keep up with current state laws and policies.

Once hired with the City of Falls Church Police Department and as a recruit attending the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, you will receive a full-time salary and City employee benefits that includes health, dental, vacation and sick leave, plus a generous retirement plan specifically for uniformed public safety officers.

To become a Police Officer with the City of Falls Church Police Department, you must meet the minimum qualifications for law enforcement office as defined in VA Code § 15.2-1705 and other hiring requirements.

• Age: must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age at the time of application and at least 21 by the date of hire.
• Character/Background Assessment: applicants that continue past the exam/interview phase will undergo a comprehensive background investigation and character check. Individual situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; however, a favorable driving record and a clean criminal history are essential. The police department retains the right to reject any applicant for any arrest and/or conviction that occurred at any age (unless the arrest or criminal charge against them has been expunged, pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-1705).

All aspects of an applicant's background are considered when making a final hiring determination, however applicants who have past or current behavior(s) as listed below may be disqualified:

• Have ever engaged in any activity that would support a felony conviction
• Have convictions or charges pending for misdemeanor crimes relating to theft, domestic violence, assault, crimes of moral turpitude (such as lying under oath or falsifying official documents), any crime requiring registration on the Sex Offender Registry at any age, or any crime which carries a penalty of prohibiting the ownership of, possession, or control of a firearm.
• Have recent convictions for D.U.I., D.W.I, or multiple convictions for speeding and other moving violations.
• Have associations with or support in any fashion any criminal gang, extremist-racist, Anti-Semitic group, or any group that has stated a desire to overthrow the United States Government.
• Have recent history of bankruptcy, substantial debts with collection agencies, or poor credit record that indicates poor financial literacy.
• Illicit use of any Schedule 1 drugs (illegal drugs never prescribed for any legitimate purpose), Schedule 2 drugs (medicinal drugs not used in a manner consistent with what they are prescribed for), or anabolic steroids (unless prescribed by a physician) within three years of the date of application.
• Having sold,…