Police
Police Officer I
The Arlington County Police Department is now accepting applications for the Police Officer I position. The announcement will be closed without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, for each test date. Only candidates who submit complete applications will be allowed to participate in the testing. To apply, click HERE.
Announcement No.: | 5005-11B-POL-GW | |
Required Education: | 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of college education. For substitution to the educational, please see Requirement section below. | |
Location: | 1425 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, Virginia. | |
Employee Type: | Full-time, sworn | |
Base Pay: | $45,739.20* ($49,004.80 upon graduation from Police Academy) - All officers hired before July 1st of 2012 will be given the same pay rate | |
Closing Date: | Continuous | |
Work Hours: | Entry level officers are assigned to a permanent shift. | |
Probationary Period: | The probationary period for this position is 12 months from the date of hire. | |
Description
The purpose of this announcement is to establish an ongoing eligible list of candidates to fill vacancies each year anticipated at various times during the next 12 months. Police Academy classes are tentatively scheduled for August and February.
Applicants may be processed through the examination phases in groups to increase examination efficiency. Qualified applicants will start proceed through the exam process whether or not there is an actual vacancy at the time the application is filed. Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the hiring process will be referred periodically for vacancies.
Kind of work:
This is law enforcement work in which the employee is responsible for protection of life and property in Arlington County. Duties include patrolling an assigned area on foot, bicycle, motorcycle or in car to detect or prevent crime; conducting investigations into a variety of criminal offenses such as larceny, auto theft, and robbery; assisting in investigation of major crimes such as rape and homicide; directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic; preparing written reports on offenses committed, arrests, and other activities; testifying in court proceedings; and other related duties as required. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations and involves an element of personal danger. Employee must be able to exercise considerable independent judgment at all times. The employee will attend the regional Police Academy for 20 weeks and, on successful completion, will be assigned to a Field Training Officer for 12 weeks of further training.
Kind of Examination:
An applicant must qualify on each part of the examination in order to be eligible for appointment.) See following pages for a detailed description.
- Screening for minimum qualifications
- Video-based human relations test and/or reading test
- Character/background investigation including photographing and finger printing
- Panel interview
- Polygraph examination
- Stress test / Chest X-ray
- Psychological evaluation
- Drug testing
- Medical examination
- Physical Abilities Test
Examination May Include One or More of the Following:
(1) Evaluation of Training and Experience; (2) Written and Oral Examination; (3) Performance Test; (4) Personal Interview; (5) Physical Examination; (6) Group Discussion Exam.
* The salary scale (grade 8) for this position is from $45,739.20 (starting) to $75,649.60 (maximum). With satisfactory performance, employees are considered for periodic (step) increases up to the maximum of the range.
Requirements
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
- EDUCATIONMust have completed sixty semester hours or ninety quarter hours of college work at an accredited college or university.
Substitution to the educational requirement:
- Prior law enforcement experience - One year post law enforcement academy experience with a recognized local, state or federal law enforcement agency.
- Prior military experience - Two year continuous active duty experience with the United States Military and have, or are eligible to receive, an "honorable discharge". (Candidates tested before discharge will be required to present an "honorable discharge" before hire.)
NOTE: Candidates qualifying for employment with a substitution will be eligible for Police Officer I and Police Officer II positions only. Candidates must complete sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours of college work at an accredited college or university in order to compete for the positions of Corporal and above.
- AGE LIMITMust be 20 years and 6 months of age at time of application.
- PHYSICAL CONDITIONMust be in good physical condition.
- SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSMust be a non-smoker. Must sign an agreement that you will not smoke on or off the job during your tenure of employment as a police officer.
- CITIZENSHIPMust be a United States citizen.
- DRIVER’S LICENSEValid driver’s license from state of residence at time of application. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
- CHARACTER/BACKGROUNDApplicants will be screened during a preliminary background investigation. Individual situations will be evaluated on a case by case basis, however, a good driving record and a clean criminal history are considered essential. Candidates who have engaged in any activity that would support a felony conviction are unlikely to receive favorable consideration. Misdemeanor convictions for crimes relating to theft, domestic violence, or assault are likely to be disqualifying. Recent convictions for D.U.I., or D.W.I., or Reckless Driving, as well as multiple convictions for Speeding or other moving violations may also result in disqualification.
Contact Information:
PERSONNEL AND RECRUITMENT UNIT
703-228-4767
