Minimum Qualifications

Education

Must 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 full-time 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 Limit

Must be 20 years and 6 months of age at time of application.

Physical Condition

Must be in good physical condition.

Special Requirements

Must be a non-tobacco user. Must sign an agreement that you will not use tobacco products on or off the job during your tenure of employment as a police officer.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Arlington County Police Department's policies on personal appearance (Manual Directives 402.00 Appearance – 402.04 Facial Hair). 

Citizenship

Must be a United States citizen.

Driver’s License

Valid 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/Background

Applicants 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.

Any use of a schedule I or II substance in the last five years will result in an automatic disqualification. Additionally, the use of marijuana in the past 12 months will also result in an automatic disqualification. Any use of the aforementioned substances over the designated time frame will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-1705, applicants are not required to disclose information concerning any arrest or criminal charge against them that has been expunged.