Lateral Police Officer 1

Job Posting End Date:

December 31, 2026

Department:

POLICE

Compensation Grade:

Y22

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Starting salary is commensurate with years of experience
Lateral/Police Officer I (Y22) Pay Grade Range - $57,803.20 - $90,084.80
Lateral/Police Officer II (Y23) Pay Grade Range - $60,094.40 - $94,598.40
Lateral/Master Police Officer (Y25) Pay Grade Range - $66,934.40 - $104,312

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).

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.
Special Instructions:    In state Lateral Police Officer candidates are required to attend an abbreviated academy for experienced officers and a brief Police Training Officer (PTO) phase (12 weeks*) before being released to work independently within their assigned precinct. In-state laterals must complete the Virginia DCJS Application for Exemption from Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards (Form W-2).
Out of state Lateral Officer candidates are required to attend an abbreviated Option 5 Academy for experienced Officers and Police Training Officer field training of 12 weeks. Out-of-state lateral law enforcement officers may be eligible to waive the Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy through the Option 5 process, pending review and approval by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Applicants must submit a completed Option 5 Questionnaire for DCJS evaluation. Final determination regarding the waiver of BLE training and/or authorization for the Virginia Beach Police Department to host the Option 5 Academy rests solely with DCJS. If DCJS does not grant approval—or at the discretion of the Chief of Police or their designee—the applicant will be required to attend the full BLE Academy.
Current DCJS Certified jailers who qualify for Option 6 will be hired within the Virginia Beach Police rank structure with a salary commensurate with their experience and qualifications up to the level of Police Officer I and are eligible for a hiring bonus. Option 6 candidates are required to attend an abbreviated 16-20 weeks academy and a brief Police Training Officer (PTO) phase (12 weeks) before being released to work independently within their assigned precinct.
DOC certified Jailers do not qualify for the Option 6 Academy and will be required to attend the Full Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

This recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Applicants must:
• Successfully complete testing and have an acceptable background investigation, including a polygraph exam
• Maintain eligibility for issuance of a handgun permit by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Maintain eligibility for access to the NCIC/VCIN network administered by the Virginia State Police
• Maintain eligibility for Department of Criminal Justice Services certification
• Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, successfully complete medical and psychological exams (provided at City expense)
        o Note: The pre-employment medical exam includes drug testing for a variety of substances, including marijuana
*12 weeks is the minimum PTO phase. This time frame may be extended for officers who require additional time working in partnership with a Virginia Beach training officer.

Additional requirements:
• DMV Transcript: Yes
• Physical: Yes
• Psychological Screening: Yes
• Polygraph: Yes

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Must have one (1) to three (3) years of experience as a law enforcement officer but not currently certified in the State of Virginia or be a current Virginia DCJS certified Sheriff Deputy or Jailer eligible for the DCJS Option 6 academy. Must have a current and valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a current Virginia or North Carolina driver’s license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver’s license eligibility requirements within thirty (30) days of Hire. U.S. citizenship Eligible for issuance of a handgun permit by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Successful completion of the selection process, full background investigation, polygraph, medical and psychological exams. Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office and able to pass the Department’s annual physical assessment test. Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job. Special Requirements: This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.

Skills:

Working Conditions:

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 work 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.

Opportunities for Advancement: Career progression and professional development opportunities

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 $57,80.20; 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

Academy staff will forward the documents found at the site above within 24 hours of your application submission and request that you complete them with directions on how to submit them to the applicant portal.  At that time, they will request that you also submit:

*Drivers License

*Social Security Card

*Birth Certificate

*High School diploma/transcripts/GED

*College transcripts if applicable

*DD-214 if applicable

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

The City offers a generous benefits package which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, and holiday and paid leave.

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.
Lateral Police Officer I: https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.002143.pdf
Police Officer I: https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.003516.1.pdf
Police Officer II: https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.004527.pdf
Master Police Officer: https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.001188.pdf

Lateral Police Officer II:https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.000194.pdf
Lateral Master Police Officer I: https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.007939.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.