Police Officer Recruit

Police Officer Recruit

The Charlottesville Police Department invites applications for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Police Recruits, under instructional supervision, participate in a formal academy training to successfully complete the Virginia state certified police officer training at the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Training Academy. Recruits will contribute to basic various law enforcement functions and may participate in ride alongs. The Academy provides recruits with classroom training, physical fitness, and simulation training. This position reports to a Police Corporal or Sergeant.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, position and provides excellent benefits including but not limited to: health insurance options with employer contribution, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym reimbursement program, and continuing education/training opportunities.

Participates in and receives formal training at the Police Academy. Coursework and training includes but is not limited to: scheduled physical fitness, criminal and traffic laws, search and seizure, first aid/CPR, fair and impartial policing, cultural diversity, prevention of bias-based policing, defense tactics utilizing de-escalation techniques, firearms, driver training, officer survival, DUI investigation, active shooter, speed measurement, and crime scene investigation.

Participates in ride alongs and experiences basic law enforcement functions necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of a Police Officer, which includes but are not limited to skilled performance of traffic control, general investigations, crime prevention, communications, first aid, crime scene investigation procedures, and fingerprinting.

Becomes familiar with Virginia Laws and City ordinances.

Becomes familiar with Charlottesville Police Department rules and regulations.

Becomes familiar with Charlottesville Police Department computer systems to obtain, track, and report information.

Participates in emergency vehicle operations training and firearm familiarization courses.

Participates in mandatory and elective trainings.

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.

Performs related duties as required.

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.

Must be at least 20 years of age at time of the application and 21 years of age by police academy graduation.

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). Note: an application for waiver of minimum qualifications (citizenship) must be obtained and approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Must be able to successfully and satisfactorily pass all phases of the screening process, to include a written exam, physical agility test, oral interviews, completion of a comprehensive background investigation, a polygraph exam, psychological and medical exams, and pre-employment drug screening.

Successful completion of the police academy and field training.

Must obtain and maintain: Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Certification in the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN), and Certification in Firearms Proficiency.

Must sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products on and off duty.

This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

Must be in satisfactory health, that would not restrict the ability to perform and safely complete academy training, field training, and performance of essential job functions of a Police Officer. (Reasonable accommodations may be made and will be considered on a case-by-case basis). This is a safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing for pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident and random testing. Work Schedule: requires flexible shift hours (to include holidays, nights and weekends); sometimes remaining on assignments for prolonged periods. Position is subject to emergency call. Work Environment: A majority of time spent in this position involves outside work. Work is performed in varied environments utilizing department assigned clothing and equipment (personal protective equipment, body armor, and other specialty equipment). Work may be performed in challenging terrain, tight or confined spaces, remote settings, and unprotected heights. Work may be performed in extreme temperatures, extreme brightness or darkness, and in traffic/roadways. Work may involve exposure to chemicals, explosives, electrical hazards, fumes, gases, allergens, blood-borne pathogens, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Physical Demands: Police recruits/officers may be involved in numerous physically demanding activities in the police academy, during on-the-job training (field training), and throughout the work shift. These may include: extensive walking, standing, and running; sitting for extended periods of time; working in stressful and sometimes life threatening conditions; pursuing and arresting aggressive/hostile suspects; physically searching suspects; performing rescues from a potentially hazardous environment; performing CPR and first aid procedures; controlling crowds; operating a motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions; carrying and demonstrating proficiency with firearms; qualifying annually with firearm and other less-lethal weapons. Requires identifying hazards, persons, and evidence: Vision: Distance-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better binocularly with at least 20/40 in each eye. If glasses or hard contacts are worn, uncorrected distance vision must be 20/100 or better binocularly. Near-corrected visual acuity in the better eye of no less than 20/40. In addition, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors, and must be free from other visual impairments that would restrict the ability to perform law enforcement duties (e.g., identify house numbers, license plates, vehicle descriptions, suspect/victim descriptions, evidence, status of brake and traffic lights, body language, potential weapons, and weapons qualifications). Hearing: Must be able to understand speech in noisy areas, understand whispered speech, and localize sounds (e.g. conversations, radio communications, alarms, requests for assistance). Smell: Must be able to smell hazardous materials, and contraband (e.g., alcohol on the breath). Touch: Must be able to touch (feel) concealed weapons, heat, moisture.