Police ; Testing Job Harrisonburg area,Virginia USA,Government

Position: Police Recruit (Testing & Employment Opportunities)

City of Harrisonburg Police Recruit Testing & Employment Opportunities

The Harrisonburg Police Department has combined the testing registration and employment opportunities into one advertisement. Candidates who are not currently Certified Officers and are interested in becoming a Police Officer with the HPD must apply to this posting. Candidates will not be considered for vacant Police Officer opportunities if they do not apply to this posting.

Police Recruit Employment Opportunities

The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for non-certified individuals interested in joining HPD, which 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.

The Police Recruit position has a preferred hiring rate of $23.57 per hour (equivalent to $49,025.60 annually). An exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Police Recruit Testing & Interview Process

The City of Harrisonburg will be offering Police Recruit testing at various times through the remainder of 2026 for the January 2027 Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Additional details, including upcoming testing dates, will be provided to applicants once their submission is reviewed by Human Resources and HPD.

Minimum Requirements for Police Recruit

High School Diploma or GED. College Degree or Military Experience, preferred.
21 years of age by completion of basic law enforcement academy.
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien with an application for Naturalization filed and pending with Immigration Services, if DCJS-approved.
Valid driver's license with acceptable record per City policy.
Able to work 12-hour shifts (6am - 6pm or 6pm - 6am), including nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.
Ability to perform the physical requirements for this position.
Must live or be willing to move within a one (1) hour drive of Harrisonburg, VA.

Registration Process

Registration is required for testing and can be completed online by selecting "apply" in the upper right corner of this posting on the City's website. All registration applications must be received through the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department's online application system no later than 5:00pm EST on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The online application system will automatically end registration at the indicated deadline, even if applicants are in the middle of the registration process.

Late registrations will not be accepted.

There are two additional documents (the Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information) required for consideration. Once you submit your complete online employment application and it has been pre-screened by Human Resources for minimum qualifications, you will receive an email with the Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information Form along with further instructions. These documents must be received in Human Resources no later than 5:00pm EST on Monday, October 5, 2026.

After your completed Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information Form have been received and reviewed by Human Resources and the HPD Professional Standards Unit, you will receive an email requesting your attendance at an upcoming testing date if you pass the screening at this step. Please monitor the email address used to apply as that will be the email address your invitation is sent.

Written

Test

The written test will be given at the City of Harrisonburg Police Department at 101 N. Main Street in Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
Check-in for testing begins at 0800 hours EST.
Please bring a valid picture proper identification (Ex: Driver's License, passport, etc.).
The testing will begin promptly at 0830 hours EST.
It will take approximately 2 hours to complete.
No one will be admitted to the test after the starting time.

Physical Ability Test

The test will be given on the same day as the written test and will be held at the Harrisonburg Police Department's Harper Presgraves Training Grounds. Directions to this location will be provided on the day of testing.
After completing the written test, candidates will proceed immediately to the physical abilities test.
To participate in the testing, you must complete the electronic Waiver of Claim for Injury, which is supplemental question #7 on your online registration.

Interview

Applicants who complete the written test and pass the physical abilities test may be invited to immediately interview on their testing date.
If selected for a same-day interview, applicants are not required or expected to change attire. The same clothing worn to the written test and physical ability test is acceptable for the same-day interview.

To be eligible for an open position with the Harrisonburg Police Department, you must complete the written test and pass the…