Getting a job as a Virginia police officer can be as easy as meeting the minimum Virginia state requirements (listed below), applying to a specific department, and being called upon to take several tests, conduct interviews and undergo background checks. Once the individual is able to pass with a competitive score the physical ability, written, physiological, medical exam and drug tests, they could be a possible candidate. If one makes it through interview, ride-a-longs and background investigations they could be offered a position at this time. If this occurs, they will have the opportunity to attend a Virginia police academy and begin training.
How to Become a Virginia Police Officer
Someone hoping to become a Virginia officer of the law must meet all minimum qualifications, including being 21 years old at minimum, having a VA driver’s license, being a legal citizen of the US, and having a clean record (no DUI’s in last 5 years, no felonies, no domestic violence charges) and have graduated high school. If the person meets all qualifications, he or she is able to apply for an open police position in Virginia.
Police Officer Jobs in Virginia – Salary
The mean salary for a VA policeman or policewoman is 47,600 a year. This means that police officers in Virginia make around that much. Some officers make more, and some make less depending on his or her years of experience, level or education and in which city he or she works. Officers working in big cities often make higher wages than those working for rural police departments. Police officers who have earned a promotion in rank in Virginia make an average salary of around 73,000 a year.
Law Enforcement School Degrees in Virginia
A college degree is not required by Virginia for those who pursue police officer positions, but having one may improve your chances over candidates without degrees. Having a specific degree in a law enforcement or criminal justice field may make a person even more desirable and it could mean starting off at a higher pay than officers without a degree. Below is a list of Virginia colleges offering programs and degrees with law enforcement connections.
- Argosy University
1550 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209
866-703-2777
- Blue Ridge Community College
1 College Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
540-234-9261
- Centura College
Locations in Chesapeake, VA / Richmond, VA / Virginia Beach, VA
- Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
1000 Dabney Drive, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
540-862-4322
- Danville Community College
1008 South Main Street, Danville, VA 24541
434-797-2222
- George Mason University
4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
703-993-1000
- John Tyler Community College
13101 Jefferson David Hwy., Chester, VA 23831
804-796-4000
- Liberty University
1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515
434-582-2000
- Longwood University
201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909
434-395-2000
- Marymount University
2807 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207
703-522-5600
- Paul D Camp Community College
100 N College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851
757-569-6700
- Piedmont Virginia Community College
501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-977-3900
- Regent University
1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
800-373-5504
- Roanoke College
221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153
540-375-2500
- Saint Paul’s College
115 College Drive, Lawrenceville, VA 23868
434-848-3111
- Sanford-Brown College
1761 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102
703-556-8888
- Shenandoah University
1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601
540-665-4500
- Southside Virginia Community College
109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA 23821
434-949-1000
- Virginia Highlands Community College
100 VHCC Drive, Abingdon, VA 24212
276-739-2400
- Virginia State University
1 Hayden Drive, Petersburg, VA 23803
804-524-5000
- Virginia Wesleyan College
1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502
757-455-3200
- Wytheville Community College
1000 East Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
276-223-4700