School Resource Officer; Police Officer Certified​/Sworn

$10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS*

The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for individuals interested in becoming a School Resource Officer with the Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD). Candidates must be currently certified as a Law Enforcement Officer through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Federal Government, or another state. HPD offers a rewarding career plus an excellent benefits package, including enhanced hazardous duty through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).

Find out more information in the Harrisonburg Police Officer Candidate Information Packet and be sure to come back to this page to apply.

School Resource Officer position has a preferred hiring range of 26.86 - 29.22 per hour (equivalent to 55,868 - 60,777 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy. This position is a specialty assignment that is grant‑funded for 3 years (pending re‑establishment of funding thereafter). The officer selected for this position will be provided on‑the‑job training and will attend the School Resource Officer and School Administrator Basic Course through Virginia DCJS.

• Hiring Incentive: $10,000
• Date of Hire: $5,000
• Completion of Initial Period of Employment (12 months for Certified Police Officers): $5,000

• Provide a police presence in Harrisonburg City Public Schools to deter crime and provide a positive role model.
• Assist with the continued safety and security of the schools, including door checks, lunchroom patrol, hall monitoring, and monitoring of bus loading and unloading.
• Assist school administration with disruptive students and visitors.
• Provide assistance to students in crisis, taking appropriate measures such as direct intervention, referrals to counseling services, family assistance, and other means.
• Assist guidance counselors with various issues concerning student disagreements or fights.
• Attend monthly faculty meetings.
• Meet with school administration on a daily basis to share information and plans of action.
• Instruct law‑related classes to students and faculty.
• Establish and maintain good rapport with students and faculty.
• Apply crime prevention techniques to improve the safety and security of the school.
• Act as a mentor to students to improve relations and decrease criminal/disruptive behavior.
• Serve on the school safety committee and other related safety committees as required.
• Attend various School Resource seminars and conferences to maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of the best strategies for the School Resource Officer Program and a working knowledge of current juvenile law.
• Investigate crimes that occur within the school and those that occur in the community that are related to school activities.
• Communicate with School Administration regarding the appropriate handling of crime in the school involving students.
• Establish a system of crime reporting within the school to prevent negative peer pressure among the students.
• Establish programs/procedures to reduce truancy problems, including periodically patrolling youth hangout areas such as malls and other locations.
• Attend after‑hours activities, such as meetings, new student orientation, and sporting events.
• Coordinate and be actively involved in youth programs.
• Communicate with patrol officers and investigators frequently to exchange information regarding juvenile crimes related to the middle and high schools.
• Assist the Crime Prevention Unit with activities, such as child fingerprinting, child safety seat inspections, Police Department tours for children, and other related events as required.
• Attend and participate in events, such as Neighborhood Watch meetings, Citizen Advisory Meetings, National Night Out, parades, public education events, and other public‑related events.
• Perform all the duties of a Patrol Officer when required.
• Perform all other duties as required.

• Currently certified as a Law Enforcement Officer through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Federal Government or another state.
• High School Diploma or GED.…