Certified / Lateral Police Officer I/II/III

James City County•Williamsburg, VA

19d

About The Position

Performs experienced to advanced protective-service work enforcing state and local laws, responding to calls for service, maintaining a visible presence for crime deterrence and accessibility, conducting patrol duties, and protecting life and property. The position involves risk, hazardous exposure, and personal danger. Officers conduct investigations under departmental policies and with minimal supervision, and may perform specialized tasks and administrative duties, including investigations of complex incidents or criminal acts. The role includes operating police vehicles and conducting foot patrols; responding to dispatches, calls, complaints, and major crime scenes; investigating complaints and traffic crashes; issuing summonses and making arrests; conducting surveillance, interviews, and evidence collection; protecting crime scenes; executing warrants; handling and transporting prisoners; preparing reports and records; and providing legal testimony in court. Police Officer III and IV duties also include assisting junior patrol officers, assuming shift or unit command when directed or when a Lieutenant/Sergeant is absent, ensuring calls are handled promptly, and serving in specialty assignments such as Field Training Officer, Instructor, or SWAT. The listed salary is $59,475–$68,000 per year or higher, depending on qualifications. Employees with an associate degree receive an additional $1,500 per year, and those with a bachelor’s degree receive an additional $3,000 per year. Full-time county benefits are offered. Applications are accepted until the position is filled; a fully completed application is required, and cover letters and resumes may also be attached.

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 upon completion of the Police Academy.
Possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment, a valid Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record under James City County criteria.
Not have disqualifying convictions or pleas, including a felony or an offense that would be a felony in Virginia; certain crimes involving moral turpitude; a misdemeanor sex offense; domestic assault; or other offenses not explained to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police.
Not have been convicted of a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor within the previous five years. Undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature are reviewed case by case.
Not have a dishonorable or bad conduct military discharge.
Not have visible tattoos that cannot be covered by long-sleeve formal uniform attire, including neck and hand tattoos.
Be DCJS certified as required by Virginia Code 15.2-1706.
Knowledge of customer-service principles and processes, including setting and meeting service-quality standards and evaluating customer satisfaction.
Skill in using computer software, especially Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a related field preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or associate degree qualifies for the stated annual salary supplement.
A history free of illegal drug or substance use is strongly preferred, with no use within the previous three years; exceptions may be considered case by case. Distribution is an automatic disqualifier.

Responsibilities

Maintain public peace and protect life and property while enforcing laws and conducting investigations according to departmental policies.
Operate a police vehicle to observe traffic violations, suspicious activity or persons, and disturbances; respond to radio dispatches, calls, complaints, and major crime calls.
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 through surveillance, interviews, evidence and property collection and identification, seizure of contraband or evidence, crime-scene protection, and traffic-crash investigation.
Apprehend and arrest suspects; obtain, verify, and execute arrest warrants; conduct high-risk felony vehicle stops; detain, search, handcuff, subdue, or disarm people as required; and transport and handle prisoners.
Prepare for and provide legal testimony, including appearing 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 shift or unit command when directed or when a Lieutenant/Sergeant is absent; ensure calls for service are handled promptly; and serve in specialty assignments as needed.