Police Officer I

Join the Virginia Beach Police Department : Serve with Purpose and Pride

The Virginia Beach Police Department is committed to safeguarding our community and building trust with the citizens we serve. Our team of dedicated professionals works tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of integrity, service, and excellence, ensuring that Virginia Beach remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.

As a Lateral / Police Officer, you will embark on a meaningful career that empowers you to protect lives, uphold the law, and foster positive relationships within the community. You'll receive comprehensive training and mentorship from seasoned Virginia Beach officers to prepare you for success. With opportunities for advancement, competitive pay, and a supportive team environment, the Virginia Beach Police Department is where you can make a lasting impact while growing personally and professionally.

Why Join Us?

Community Impact : Be part of a department that values service, fairness, and compassion in protecting over 450,000 residents.

Exceptional Training : Our Lateral / Police Academies provide state-certified training, equipping you with the skills and confidence to excel as an officer.

Career Progression : Explore opportunities for advancement, with paths leading to specialized roles and leadership positions.

Work-Life Balance : We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance and offer benefits and resources to support your well-being.

A $10,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position set up in installments and subject to a repayment agreement. The repayment agreement is presented at the time of conditional offer and the 2nd and 3rd installments are awarded if performance is rated as "Meets Expectations" or higher in the six (6) month interim performance evaluation and in the first annual performance evaluation at the conclusion of the fifteen (15) month probationary period (incoming sworn officers will have a twelve (12) month probationary period).

The Lateral / Police Officer I selection is multi-tiered and applicants must successfully complete each component of the process before moving to the next step. As a condition of employment, all new employees must sign an agreement that they will not smoke or use tobacco products either on or off duty. Use of marijuana or any derivative thereof is prohibited; a positive drug screening will result in a withdrawal of any conditional offer.

City of Virginia Beach Police Academy : Currently, VBPD holds Lateral / Police Officer I academies three times a year, Option 6 may coincide with the Recruit academies. The training academies vary in length depending upon classification upon hire (see special instructions). The minimum starting salary for any incoming Lateral / Police Officer I will be $52,280.10; however, candidates will be hired within the Virginia Beach structure at the level and salary commensurate with their experience and qualifications.

To view requirements and automatic disqualifiers, visit Police Careers qualifications.

To view the application process and necessary forms, visit Police Recruit / Lateral application process and forms.

Lateral Police Officer I (Y.22 Pay Range : $57,504.72-$89,132.32) job description link : Lateral PO I JD.

Lateral / Police Officer II (Y.23 Pay Range : $60,379.96-$93,588.94); job description link : PO II JD and Lateral PO II JD.

Lateral / Master Police Officer (Y.25 Pay Range : $66,568.91-$103,181.81); job description link : Master PO JD.

For questions, contact the academy staff at 1-757-385-6987.