Police Officer (Currently Virginia DCJS Certified, Lateral)

City of Charlottesville (VA) • Charlottesville, VA

243d • $55,016 - $99,365

About The Position

The Charlottesville Police Department is seeking VIRGINIA DCJS CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS to protect and serve all citizens through fair and impartial enforcement of laws and ordinances. Partners with community members to prevent and fight crime, safeguards the Constitutional rights of citizens, and protects property. General work consists of routine patrol, preliminary investigation, and traffic enforcement in one of the designated patrol districts. Patrols may be performed on foot, bicycle, Segway, motorcycle, or in a motor vehicle. Officers respond to citizen complaints, prepare reports, serve warrants and makes arrests, provide information to the public and departmental units; and performs related work as required. Police officer duties involve a degree of personal risk and exposure to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions that require officers to exercise independent judgement during emergency situations. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Successful completion of field training and one (1) year of probationary period after field training; in-state lateral hires will be 6-month probationary period after field training.
• Must hold and maintain: Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services; Certification in the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN); Certification in firearms proficiency.
• By employment start date, possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must be a US citizen or be a permanent resident alien who, in accordance with the requirements of the USCIS, is eligible and has applied for citizenship (proof is required).
• Must be able to successfully and satisfactorily pass phases of the screening process, which may include a physical agility test, oral interviews, completion of a comprehensive background investigation, a polygraph exam, psychological and medical exams, and pre-employment drug screening.
• Must have also signed a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products on and off duty.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or higher in law enforcement, public administration or related field from an accredited university or college.
• Prior law enforcement, military, or corrections experience.
• Current law enforcement certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Professional working proficiency, or higher, in a foreign language or American Sign Language.
• Law enforcement related internships.

Responsibilities

• Patrols in designated geographic patrol districts to preserve law and order, identifies and solves problems, prevents crimes, and improves traffic safety through the enforcement of motor vehicle laws.
• Partners with community residents, business owners and other City employees to solve problems of crime, safety, and disorder.
• Responds to calls for service from the community and from radio dispatchers.
• Secures crime scenes, administers first aid, locates witnesses, conducts preliminary investigations, searches & gathers evidence, makes arrests, and serves warrants.
• Responds to burglar and robbery alarms.
• Conducts follow-up investigations.
• Issues summonses for parking and traffic violations.
• Investigates traffic accidents and writes detailed accidents reports.
• Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects involved in incidents.
• Documents incidents in detail and maintains concise police reports and records.
• Reports unsafe conditions existing in streets or other public facilities.
• Maintains evidence and other property.
• Drives and safely operates police vehicles.
• Operates vehicle in the transportation of prisoners or large recovered or confiscated properties.
• May provide police escorts when necessary.
• Directs traffic when necessary.
• Appears in court to present evidence and testify.
• Provides information and advice to the public related to laws, ordinances, and crime prevention.
• Familiarity with Virginia Laws and City ordinances.
• Familiarity with Charlottesville Police Department rules and regulations.
• Participates in Community Policing Activities.
• Participates in mandatory and elective training.
• Uses computer systems to obtain, track, and report information in the performance of duties.
• Maintains proficiency with firearms and self-defense.
• May be required to report to work on scheduled days off, or report back to work, should a disaster or emergency arise.
• Performs all duties with the highest degree of confidentiality and personal and professional integrity.

Benefits

• Health insurance options with employer contribution.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• City's retirement options.
• Gym reimbursement program.
• Continuing education/training opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED