Police Officer I - January 2027 Academy Session

The City of Falls Church Virginia•Falls Church, VA

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Falls Church Police Department is a highly respected, professional public safety agency committed to providing the highest level of service that our community expects. Located six miles from Washington D.C., the City of Falls Church is an independent City, separate from neighboring Arlington and Fairfax Counties, with its own school system, municipal government, and police department. At just over 2 square miles in area, "The Little City" is known for its urban village community, quality customer service, and independent spirit. The City of Falls Church Police Department is hiring motivated individuals who are looking to start a career as a police officer. The City of Falls Church is a culturally diverse community, and we welcome all applicants who are motivated, mission oriented, and committed to upholding the core values of the Police Department: Protection of Life, Community Engagement, Respect, Accountability & Integrity, Fairness, Professionalism, and Innovation. The City of Falls Church Police Department offers opportunities in a variety of divisions and specialized assignments, including patrol, investigations, K-9, traffic, community services, and School Resource Officers. Our department strongly values and supports professional development by providing continuous training and educational opportunities. All officers participate in ongoing training throughout their career to learn new skills, strengthen current ones, and keep up with current state laws and policies. Once hired with the City of Falls Church Police Department and as a recruit attending the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, you will receive a full-time salary and City employee benefits that includes health, dental, vacation and sick leave, plus a generous retirement plan specifically for uniformed public safety officers.

Requirements

Must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age at the time of application and at least 21 by the date of hire.
Must be a United States citizen. Permanent resident aliens with an application for naturalization filed and pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may also be considered.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license by date of hire.
Must have a high school diploma or passed the GED.
No use of marijuana from the date of application, regardless of location use (includes states/counties where usage may be legal).
Must sign an employment agreement contract if hired.
Must be able to work 12.5 hour rotating shifts.
Applicants that continue past the exam/interview phase will undergo a comprehensive background investigation and character check.
A favorable driving record and a clean criminal history are essential.
Applicants who have past or current behavior(s) such as engaging in any activity that would support a felony conviction, convictions or charges pending for misdemeanor crimes relating to theft, domestic violence, assault, crimes of moral turpitude, any crime requiring registration on the Sex Offender Registry, or any crime which carries a penalty of prohibiting the ownership of, possession, or control of a firearm, recent convictions for D.U.I., D.W.I, or multiple convictions for speeding and other moving violations, associations with or support in any fashion any criminal gang, extremist-racist, Anti-Semitic group, or any group that has stated a desire to overthrow the United States Government, recent history of bankruptcy, substantial debts with collection agencies, or poor credit record that indicates poor financial literacy, illicit use of any Schedule 1 drugs, Schedule 2 drugs, or anabolic steroids (unless prescribed by a physician) within three years of the date of application, selling, distributing, or manufacturing any prescription or illegal drugs without legal authorization, any previous revocation or denial of certification as Police Officer or a suspension of current certified status, or failure to provide a fully completed, honestly reported, Personal History Statement, including intentional withholding of information on any application, interview, or paperwork associated with the position may be disqualified.
Candidates who fail their pre-employment drug screening will be disqualified.
No use of any tobacco or marijuana products from the date of hire.

Nice To Haves

Lateral hires (candidates who are currently certified law enforcement officers) may be eligible for a higher starting salary based on years of service.

Responsibilities

Attend the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy (NVCJTA) starting in January 2027 for 20 weeks of law enforcement training.
Work 12.5 hour rotating shifts.
Obtain certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services by the end of their probationary period.
Obtain certification as a Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) operator by the end of their probationary period.
Obtain certification in firearms proficiency by the end of their probationary period.