Certified Police Officer

Salary: $55,263 annually

The certified police officer performs responsible protective service work involving a variety of general or support duty police assignments. Much of the work is performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves considerable personal hazard. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a sergeant.

• Enforces laws, investigates criminal activity, ensures safety of the public, testifies in court, maintains records and files, and prepares reports;
• Promotes crime prevention and safety theories and practices that can be implemented in communities to deter criminal activity. Plans and/or participates in safety / educational programs and presentations at local businesses, schools, community meetings and events;
• Promotes favorable public relations and police/community relations through personal contact with community residents, civic organizations, community/government agencies, social agencies, schools and representatives of business/industry;
• Is assigned to a shift, operates a patrol vehicle or walks to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and for disturbances of law and order;
• Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints;
• Enforces traffic laws and parking ordinances, issues citations for traffic violations and investigates traffic accidents;
• Serves warrants and makes arrests;
• Provides police escorts, directs traffic, and performs residential and commercial building checks;
• Reports unsafe conditions existing in street or other public facilities;
• Assists other police officers and other law enforcement agencies when requested;
• Responds to inquiries and complaints, and provides directions to visitors;
• Makes presentations about law enforcement and the Police Department to citizens, groups, colleges, etc.;
• Interviews suspects, victims and witnesses;
• Prepares detailed reports on activities and assignments;
• Participates in a variety of in-service training programs;
• Provides court testimony;
• Performs related tasks as required.

• Must have a high school Diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school with a major in social or police science desirable but not required.
• Must be a United States citizen at the time of application.
• Must be 21 years of age at time of application.
• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must meet and maintain all department and State training and education requirements for position.
• Be of good moral character.
• May not have any felony convictions.
• May not have committed any acts of violence.
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Must pass a physical examination and drug screening.
• Must pass a psychological screening.
• Must complete personal history questionnaire.