Police Officer Recruit

Salary : $55,016.00 Annually Location : Charlottesville, VA Job Type: Regular Full-Time Job Number: 240600023-1 Department: Police Department Opening Date: 11/22/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Bargaining Unit: N/A General Summary (Note that applications received between mid-October to mid-May will be considered for the Summer Academy, July. Those received between mid-May to mid-October will be considered for the Winter Academy, January)Typical hiring amount is $26.45 an hour ($55,016 annually) This is a full-time, non-exempt, position and provides excellent benefits including but not limited to: health insurance options with employer contribution, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym reimbursement program, and continuing education/training opportunities. For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. If questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462. The Charlottesville Police Department invites applications for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Police Recruits, under instructional supervision, participate in a formal academy training to successfully complete the Virginia state certified police officer training at the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Training Academy. Recruits will contribute to basic various law enforcement functions and may participate in ride alongs. The Academy provides recruits with classroom training, physical fitness, and simulation training. This position reports to a Police Corporal or Sergeant. After successful completion of the police academy and Virginia certified police officer training, Recruits will be sworn in and assume the duties of Police Officer, which can be located at , and will begin a probationary period which includes on-the-job field training that will expose trainees to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions. ADDITIONAL RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION: Qualified applicants will be invited, by email to the email address provided on the submitted application, to participate in an online written examination and to create an online account to digitally sign and complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) and a Release of Personal Records Information Consent form. Additional information can be found at All requests for special accommodations due to disability will be considered, but must be made in writing, must arrive no later than two weeks after your application was submitted, and must include verification of disability and state the form of accommodation which is requested. This request must be sent to: OR Human Resources Department City of Charlottesville 605 East Main Street P.O. Box 911 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Essential Responsibilities and DutiesParticipates in and receives formal training at the Police Academy. Coursework and training includes but is not limited to: scheduled physical fitness, criminal and traffic laws, search and seizure, first aid/CPR, fair and impartial policing, cultural diversity, prevention of bias-based policing, defense tactics utilizing de-escalation techniques, firearms, driver training, officer survival, DUI investigation, active shooter, speed measurement, and crime scene investigation. Participates in ride alongs and experiences basic law enforcement functions necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of a Police Office, which includes but are not limited to skilled performance of traffic control, general investigations, crime prevention, communications, first aid, crime scene investigation procedures, and fingerprinting. Becomes familiar with Virginia Laws and City ordinances. Becomes familiar with Charlottesville Police Department rules and regulations. Becomes familiar with Charlottesville Police Department computer systems to obtain, track, and report information. Participates in emergency vehicle operations training and firearm familiarization courses. Participates in mandatory and elective trainings. May be required to report to work on scheduled days off, or report back to work, should a disaster or emergency arise. Performs all duties with the highest degree of confidentiality and personal and professional integrity. Performs related duties as required. Education, Experience and SkillsEducation Requirement: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required. Special Requirements: Must be at least 20 years of age at time of the application and 21 years of age by police academy graduation. By employment start date, possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. (To view our driving eligibility requirements, visit ). Must be a US citizen or be a permanent resident alien who, in accordance with the requirements of the USCIS, is eligible and has applied for citizenship (proof is required). Note: an application for waiver of minimum qualifications (citizenship) must be obtained and approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Must be able to successfully and satisfactorily pass all phases of the screening process, to include a written exam, physical agility test, oral interviews, completion of a comprehensive background investigation, a polygraph exam, psychological and medical exams, and pre-employment drug screening. Successful completion of the police academy and field training. Must obtain and maintain: Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Certification in the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN), and Certification in Firearms Proficiency. Must sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products on and off duty. Automatic Disqualifiers: The following automatic disqualifiers will cause the processing of the applicant to be immediately discontinued: Any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions of domestic violence, sex offenses, or crimes involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to perjury, larceny, embezzlement, check fraud, or income tax evasion. Convicted of DUI or Hit & Run in the past 3 years. Use of marijuana after date of application, regardless of location of use (includes states/countries where usage may be legal). No non-prescription/unauthorized drug use after date of application, including but not limited to Adderall, Xanax, etc. Pattern of illegal use or misuse of prescription drugs in the last 3 years. Illegal experimental use of club drugs, such as Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, MDMA (Ecstasy), steroids, mushrooms, peyote, or aerosols within the last 3 years. Experimental use of any schedule I, II, III, or IV drug within the last five (5) years not covered above. Dealing (as an adult): manufacturing, cultivation, supplying, transporting, distributing, or selling any controlled, illegal or dangerous substance other than marijuana. Military dishonorable discharge or bad conduct discharge. Under criminal investigation or have criminal charges pending. Any previous revocation or denial of certification as Police Officer or a suspension of current certified status. Any body art, tattoo, or other modification (such as branding or gauges) that violates departmental policy. Failure to provide a fully completed, honestly reported Personal History Statement. Preferred Qualifications: Associate degree or higher in law enforcement, public administration or related field from an accredited university or college; prior law enforcement, military, or corrections experience; current law enforcement certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia; professional working proficiency, or higher, in a foreign language or American Sign Language; law enforcement related internships. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: General knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures necessary to effectively interact with the public, victims, suspects, and officers of other agencies or the ability to acquire this knowledge and apply it to specific situations; ability to learn and understand state laws, city codes and ordinances; learn the geography of Charlottesville and location of important buildings; ability to learn departmental rules and regulations; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instruction; and to prepare clear, concise reports; ability to deal courteously with the public; ability to effectively communicate with all persons; ability to exercise good judgement in stressful situations; ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine a proper course of action; ability to safely use motor vehicles; ability to learn and become proficient in the use of firearms and other equipment used in the performance of essential duties; ability to maintain high levels of ethical standards; ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and be truthful at all times. Physical Conditions & Additional InformationNote: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days. Must be in satisfactory health, that would not restrict the ability to perform and safely complete academy training, field training, and performance of essential job functions of a Police Officer. (Reasonable accommodations may be made and will be considered on a case-by-case basis). This is a safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing for pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident and random testing. Work Schedule: requires flexible shift hours (to include holidays, nights and weekends); sometimes remaining on assignments for prolonged periods. Position is subject to emergency call. Work Environment: A majority of time spent in this position involves outside work. Work is performed in varied environments utilizing department assigned clothing and equipment (personal protective equipment, body armor, and other specialty equipment). Work may be performed in challenging terrain, tight or confined spaces, remote settings, and unprotected heights. Work may be performed in extreme temperatures, extreme brightness or darkness, and in traffic/roadways. Work may involve exposure to chemicals, explosives, electrical hazards, fumes, gases, allergens, blood-borne pathogens, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Physical Demands: Police recruits/officers may be involved in numerous physically demanding activities in the police academy, during on-the-job training (field training), and throughout the work shift. These may include: extensive walking, standing, and running; sitting for extended periods of time; working in stressful and sometimes life threatening conditions; pursuing and arresting aggressive/hostile suspects; physically searching suspects; performing rescues from a potentially hazardous environment; performing CPR and first aid procedures; controlling crowds; operating a motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions; carrying and demonstrating proficiency with firearms; qualifying annually with firearm and other less-lethal weapons. Requires identifying hazards, persons, and evidence: Vision: Distance-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better binocularly with at least 20/40 in each eye. If glasses or hard contacts are worn, uncorrected distance vision must be 20/100 or better binocularly. Near-corrected visual acuity in the better eye of no less than 20/40. In addition, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors, and must be free from other visual impairments that would restrict the ability to perform law enforcement duties (e.g., identify house numbers, license plates, vehicle descriptions, suspect/victim descriptions, evidence, status of brake and traffic lights, body language, potential weapons, and weapons qualifications). Hearing: Must be able to understand speech in noisy areas, understand whispered speech, and localize sounds (e.g. conversations, radio communications, alarms, requests for assistance). Smell: Must be able to smell hazardous materials, and contraband (e.g., alcohol on the breath). Touch: Must be able to touch (feel) concealed weapons, heat, moisture. The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana. SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Updated February 9, 2026 Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits. 1. LEAVE: Vacation: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it: Years Worked0 - 3 - 5 - 10 - 15 - 20 - 25+Hours Accrued Biweekly3.093.854.625.46.166.937.7Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members. Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30): OBSERVED CITY HOLIDAYS New Years DayDr. Martin Luther King DayPresidents' DayLiberation & Freedom DayMemorial DayJuneteenth DayIndependence DayLabor DayVeterans DayThanksgiving DayFriday after ThanksgivingChristmas EveChristmas Day1 Floating HolidayVolunteer Leave: Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9-3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full-time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part-time employees are eligible to receive pro-rated leave each available each calendar year. 2. INSURANCE: Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Choose from two options: Select HMO with City-funded HRA ($0 premium for employee-only coverage) Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee-only coverage) Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand,$55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs) Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs) Delta Dental Plan: Diagnostic and Preventative-100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50% Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50 $1,500 Annual benefit maximum $1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19) MetLife Vision Plan: (Optional) $2.50 premium paid bi-weekly for employee-only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available. Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay $130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted. Life Insurance: In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available. Long-Term Disability: Upon approval for along-term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90-day wait period. Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short-Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection 3. RETIREMENT: Pension: Choose from two (2) options: A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5-year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary. A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees). Supplement: Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings. 4. VOLUNTARY: Wellness: Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month) Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses Online wellness resources and Lunch-and-Learn Sessions Employee Assistance Program: A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day. Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,500 for job-related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career-related courses. Flexible Spending Accounts: Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit. 01 The Police Department relies on email to maintain efficient and effective communication with Police Recruit applicants. A valid and current email address must be provided on your employment application in order to receive time-sensitive information pertaining to the process. I have reviewed the email address provided on this employment application. It is current, valid, and can be used as a primary means of communicating with me regarding the Police Recruit process and information. 02 Have you applied to the Charlottesville Police Department before? Yes No 03 Are you at least 20 years of age? Yes No 04 Do you have a High School Diploma or GED equivalency? Yes No 05 Are you a U.S. citizen? Yes No 06 If you are not a U.S. citizen, have you applied for U.S. citizenship? Yes; I applied for U.S. citizenship and am willing and able to provide a copy for review No; I have not applied for U.S. citizenship Not applicable to me 07 Do you have prior work experience with a police department? Yes, as a police officer Yes, in a support position No 08 Do you have prior work experience with a corrections department or jail? Yes, as a correctional officer or detention specialist Yes, in a support position No 09 Do you have military experience with a discharge of Honorable or General (under honorable conditions)? Yes No 10 Can you speak, read, and/or write proficiently a language other than English? Yes No 11 This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid driver's license. The candidate selected for this position must meet the driver eligibility requirements of the City and must provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record. Do you possess a valid driver's license and are you willing to provide a certified copy of your DMV driving record, if selected as a finalist, for the City to confirm your driving eligibility? Yes; I possess a valid driver's license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record. No; However, I am willing and able to obtain a valid driver's license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record. No; I do not have a valid driver's license, nor am I willing or able to obtain one, and/or am not willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record. 12 Have you ever been convicted for any violation(s) of law, including moving traffic violations?A conviction does not automatically disqualify you from all jobs. A conviction will be judged on its own merits with respect to time, circumstances, seriousness, and the extent to which it is related to the job for which you are applying. Yes No 13 If "yes" to #12, please provide the following: Description of offense, Statute or ordinance if known, Date of charge, Date of Conviction, and County, City, State of Conviction. 14 To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but are not a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume will not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications must be stated on the employment application itself. Yes No 15 I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application. Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04