Certified / Lateral Police Officer I/II/III

$59,475 - $68,000 / year or higher DOQ + Full-Time County Benefits 

With Associates Degree: +$1500/year
With Bachelors Degree: +$3000/year

Performs responsible/experienced/advanced/high level protective service work enforcing state and local laws, responding to calls for service, maintaining visibility for crime deterrence as well as accessibility, performing patrol duties and tasks related to the protection of life, property, enforcing laws, and conducting investigations according to departmental policies and with minimal supervision. Work involves risk, hazardous exposure, and personal danger.

• Work requires sworn law enforcement officer status to maintain public peace, protect life and property, enforce laws and conduct investigations according to departmental policies and with minimal supervision. The officer is expected to perform specialized and involved tasks, administrative duties, including the investigation of complex incidents or criminal acts.
• Operates police vehicle to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order: responds to radio dispatches; answers calls and complaints; responds to major crime calls (robbery, rape, murder, maiming, burglary, etc.); performs foot patrols to serve as a deterrent to criminal activity and to enhance the department’s Community Policing philosophy; investigates complaints and issues summonses or makes arrests; prepares detailed reports and maintains records.
• Detects and investigates crimes: conducts surveillance of individuals, vehicles or locations; interviews victims, suspects and witnesses; collects and identifies evidence and property; seizes contraband and/or evidence; protects crime scenes; investigates traffic crashes.
• Apprehends and arrests suspects, using weapons when necessary; obtains, verifies and executes arrest warrants; conducts high risk felony vehicle stops; detains, searches, arrests and handcuffs persons, as required; subdues and disarms resisting or attacking persons; transports and handles prisoners.
• Prepares for and gives legal testimony; appears in court as a designated investigating officer.
• Police Officer III and IV: Assists and advises junior patrol officers with more difficult or hazardous situations as instructed; assumes command of the shift/unit in the absence of or at the direction of the Lieutenant/Sergeant; ensures that all calls for service are answered and dealt with in a timely manner; serves as needed in a specialty area such as Field Training Officer, Instructor, SWAT, etc.

• High school diploma or equivalent; associates degree in related field preferred.
• Must
o Meet all minimum qualifications per Virginia Code 15.2-1705.
o Be a citizen of the United States and be at least 21 years of age at completion of Police Academy.
o Possess or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment a valid Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on James City County’s criteria.
o Not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or no contest to a felony or an offense that would be a felony if committed in Virginia; certain crimes involving moral turpitude; any misdemeanor sex offense; domestic assault; or others that cannot be explained to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police.
o Not have been convicted of Class 1 or 2 misdemeanors within previous 5 years. Commission of undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
o Not have a history of illegal drug or substance use is strongly preferred, with no use within previous 3 years. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Distribution is an automatic disqualifier.
o Not have had a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the military.
o Not have visible tattoos that cannot be covered by long-sleeve formal uniform attire to include neck and hand tattoos.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service including setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Skill in use of computer software, especially Microsoft Office Suite.

All applicants for this position must be DCJS certified per Virginia Code 15.2-1706.

Click here ​for full job description. Accepting applications until position is filled. Cover letters and resumes may also be attached, but a fully completed application is required for your application to be considered.

James City County is dedicated to building a diverse workforce and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. If you need assistance with completing the employment application, please contact the HR Department at 757-253-6680 or email HR.Recruit@jamescitycountyva.gov.

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