Police Officer I

Salary : $54,850.00 - $60,559.00 Annually
Location : 200 Clay Street SE, Blacksburg, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: PO I 101626 FT
Department: Police
Division: Police - Operations
Opening Date: 09/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


General Definition of Work
Upon completion or in execution of a Basic Law Enforcement Certification, the Police Officer I performs police and law enforcement work involving a variety of general police assignments including but not limited to: enforcing laws, investigating criminal activity, ensuring safety of public, collecting evidence, testifying in court, maintaining files and records, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS/BONUSES

• Starting pay: $54,850 (non-certified)
• VA Certified: $55,947 - $60,559 (based on years of service and experience)
• $2500 bonus for VA Certified Officers with less than 2 years experience (payout in payments)
• $5000 bonus for VA Certified Officers with 2 or more years experience (payout in payments)
• 40 hours of recruit leave is available for VA Certified Officers
• Eligibility for Hazardous Duty Supplement through the Virginia Retirement System
• 12 hour fixed shifts (Monday-Sunday 0700-1900 / 1900-0700)
• Dedicated training unit
• Opportunities to serve with specialized units
• Tuition assistance for job-related college education after 1 year of employment ($2400/maximum per fiscal year)
• Take Home Vehicle Program
• On-site personal trainer
• Abbreviated field training for Virginia certified Police Officers
• Shift Differential
• Eligibility for Comprehensive Benefits package including a VRS Retirement Plan; Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans; Employee Assistance Program; Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA); and wellness programs

It is an exciting time to join our department as we have recently moved into a brand new state-of-the-art facility equipped with a dedicated gym, defensive tactics training room, and a de-escalation room.

The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V

Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Operates a patrol vehicle safely, in emergency and non-emergency modes, or walks to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order
• Responds to radio calls, assignments and complaints; issues traffic citations; serves warrants, summons, etc.
• Makes arrests, completes arrest records, and testifies in court
• Operates in car computer and related software
• Prepares detailed reports, forms and correspondence on activities, assignments and complaint reports
• Provides police escorts, directs traffic
• Performs residential and commercial checks
• Interviews victims and witnesses to obtain necessary information regarding crime, accident, violation, etc.
• Investigates crimes, collects evidence; conducts searches; investigates traffic accidents
• Assists other law enforcement agencies when requested or assigned
• Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices and procedures
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department
• Knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of important buildings
• Skill in the use of firearms and the operation of an automobile
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare clear and concise reports
• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with associates, other public safety agencies and the general public

Education

• High School Diploma or GED Certification required
• Possession of Basic Law Enforcement Certification or ability to obtain via attendance of Academy
• May be required to possess other specialized law enforcement certifications depending on departmental requirements and DCJS standards

Special Requirements

• MUST BE 21 YEARS OLD OR OLDER BY THE DATE OF THE POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATION TO APPLY
• Valid state-issued driver's license with a satisfactory driving record; ability to obtain Virginia driver's license within 90 days of employment

Physical Requirements

• This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, pushing or pulling and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, or smelling, lifting and running
• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision
• Vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities
• Work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires exposure to vibration, exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to the risk of electrical shock, working with explosives and wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

The Town of Blacksburg offers a wide range of benefits.
Read more about what we offer