Certified / Lateral Police Officer I/II/III

James City County•Williamsburg, FL

20d•$59,475 - $68,000

About The Position

Performs responsible, experienced, advanced, or high-level protective service work enforcing state and local laws, responding to calls for service, maintaining visibility for crime deterrence and accessibility, conducting patrol duties, protecting life and property, and carrying out investigations in accordance with departmental policies and with minimal supervision. The work involves risk, hazardous exposure, and personal danger. The officer must be a sworn law enforcement officer and is expected to perform specialized and involved tasks, administrative duties, and investigations of complex incidents or criminal acts. Police Officer III and IV may assist and advise junior patrol officers in difficult or hazardous situations, assume command of a shift or unit when directed or when a Lieutenant or Sergeant is absent, ensure calls for service are handled promptly, and serve in specialty areas such as Field Training Officer, Instructor, or SWAT. The listed salary is $59,475–$68,000 per year or higher, depending on qualifications, plus full-time county benefits. An associate degree adds $1,500 per year, and a bachelor’s degree adds $3,000 per year. Applicants must be DCJS certified under Virginia Code 15.2-1706. Applications are accepted until the position is filled; a fully completed application is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet all minimum qualifications under Virginia Code 15.2-1705.
Be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old at completion of the Police Academy.
Possess or obtain within 30 days of employment a valid Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record under James City County criteria.
Meet the stated criminal-record eligibility criteria, including restrictions on felony convictions or pleas, specified offenses, and Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor convictions within the previous five years.
Have no dishonorable or bad conduct military discharge.
Have no visible tattoos that cannot be covered by long-sleeve formal uniform attire, including neck and hand tattoos.
Demonstrate knowledge of customer-service principles and processes, including setting and meeting quality standards and evaluating customer satisfaction.
Demonstrate skill in computer software, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
Be DCJS certified under Virginia Code 15.2-1706.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a related field preferred.
No history of illegal drug or substance use is strongly preferred; no use within the previous three years is specified, with possible case-by-case exceptions. Distribution is an automatic disqualifier.
Additional annual pay of $1,500 with an associate degree or $3,000 with a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Enforce state and local laws, protect life and property, maintain public peace, and conduct investigations under departmental policies with minimal supervision.
Operate a police vehicle to observe traffic violations, suspicious activity, and disturbances; respond to radio dispatches, calls, complaints, and major crime incidents.
Perform foot patrols to deter criminal activity and support the department’s Community Policing philosophy.
Investigate complaints, issue summonses, make arrests, prepare detailed reports, and maintain records.
Detect and investigate crimes, including conducting surveillance, interviewing victims, suspects, and witnesses, collecting and identifying evidence and property, seizing contraband or evidence, protecting crime scenes, and investigating traffic crashes.
Apprehend and arrest suspects; obtain, verify, and execute arrest warrants; conduct high-risk felony vehicle stops; detain, search, arrest, and handcuff persons as required; subdue and disarm resisting or attacking persons; and transport and handle prisoners.
Prepare for and give legal testimony and appear in court as a designated investigating officer.
For Police Officer III and IV: assist and advise junior patrol officers in difficult or hazardous situations; assume command of the shift or unit when appropriate; ensure calls for service are handled in a timely manner; and serve in specialty areas such as Field Training Officer, Instructor, or SWAT.