Police Officer Trainee

Salary: $58,122.90 Annually
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: FY2026-01563
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, performs general duties of law enforcement including enforcing federal, state, and local laws, as well as working to protect the lives, property, and rights of the citizen. Reports to the Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Patrols an assigned area of the city; monitors radio calls; inspects troublesome areas and checks security of business establishments; answers complaint calls and assists in investigating crimes and disturbances; and advises citizens of proper steps in crime prevention.
Investigates crimes committed; makes preliminary investigations and interrogates suspects and witnesses; secures and executes arrest and search warrants; apprehends criminal suspects; conducts interrogation of suspects to determine appropriate charges; books suspects according to charge; writes preliminary reports on each case after initial investigation; and prepares supplemental reports as necessary; and appears in court as witness to give testimony in court concerning investigation results and evidence obtained.
Assists senior officers at crime scenes; makes detailed search, analysis, and gathers evidence of crime scene using various technical procedures, including photography, fingerprint detection and identification, casting of footprints, etc.; and examines crime scenes to determine violations of law.
Maintains surveillance over individuals and groups suspected of criminal activity; and interviews informants and witnesses concerning the criminal activity of others.
Investigates accidents; secures and clears accident scenes; directs traffic, assists disabled motorists; enforces parking regulations; monitors vehicle speeds with radar; conducts criminal and driving checks; and issues summons or warnings.
Prepares various reports and forms such as case files, accident reports, evidence vouchers, vehicle maintenance reports, tow sheets, fingerprint cards, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has a general knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, procedures and investigative techniques, as well as having knowledge of local, state and federal laws relative to civil and criminal processes and procedures. Has a command of the locations of streets, roads, highways and the geographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the city. Has a general knowledge of both the content and purpose of legal papers and the practices involved in serving them. Skilled in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment, as well as being able to exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action. Able to apply interpretation of laws to specific situations. Able to prepare clear and concise reports. Able to present court testimony effectively, as well as be able to exercise tact and firmness in contact with the general public. Maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meeting job responsibilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified i.e., poor communications, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisor for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers, and managers in other departments, to project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, Sergeant, professionals, and the general public.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings and deadlines.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or GED or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Selected applicants must be available to work all assigned shifts. This will include day shift or night shift.
Shall have reached his/her 21st birthday by the time of their Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Certification.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION DISQUALIFICATION OF APPLICANTS FOR POLICE OFFICER RULE 12 (A)
The Commission reserves the right to refuse to further examine an applicant, or after examination, to further certify as eligible an applicant who:
(a) Does not meet the established preliminary requirements as set forth in these rules for the position for which application is made.
(b) Fails to pass the required test in strength and agility.
(c) Has been involved in the following activities:

i. Possession or use of marijuana or any of its derivatives within the previous six (6) months.

ii. The conviction of any substantiated illegal act including the possession, manufacturing, sale or distribution of any narcotic, controlled substance, illegal, or dangerous drug (excluding misdemeanor marijuana).

iii. Illegal possession or consumption of Adderall more than 3 times and/or within the last 3 years, or illegal possession of any Schedule I or Schedule II drug, or derivative thereof, within the last ten (10) years (excluding misdemeanor marijuana).

iv. Illegal use and or possession of anabolic steroids within the last five (5) years.
(d) Is found to have used in excess, as determined by the Police Chief, or to be addicted to illegal drugs or narcotics unless the applicant:

i. Has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs, or has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in such use; or

ii. Is participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and is no longer engaging in such use.
(e) Who has been convicted of the following:

i. A felony as defined in the Code of Virginia, or a crime of comparable nature in any other jurisdiction.

ii. Any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor (excluding traffic offenses) within the last five (5) years (minor offenses may be looked at on a case by case basis).

iii. Any crime involving moral turpitude, i.e., lying, cheating, or stealing.

iv. Domestic violence, as defined under the Federal Gun Control Act, or where there is an obvious pattern of abuse as determined by the Police Chief.
(f) Who has intentionally made a false statement of any material fact or practiced or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in his/her application, examination, or in securing his/her eligibility for appointment.
(g) Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction within the past thirty six (36) months or refusal to take blood/breath test within the last twelve (12) months.
(h) Any two (2) convictions of DUI of alcohol or drugs within the prior ten (10) year period.
(i) Driver's license is suspended at time of the background check.
(j) Driver's license has been revoked from any State within the past twenty four (24) months.
(k) DMV record shows a large amount of points in the minus column (-10 points or worse) or three (3) or more moving violations within the last twelve (12) months.
(l) A dishonorable military discharge, or a less than honorable military discharge that is the result of misconduct.

Physical Demands
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, a variety of firearms and defense devices, a two-way radio, typewriter, calculator, copier, etc. Must be able to exert up to 150 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical requirements of the job are those rated for Heavy Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions and/or directions to the general public. Includes receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions from superiors.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, records, and memorandums. Requires the ability to prepare reports, correspondence, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, clarity, voice control, and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid and coherent conclusions. Requires the ability to access critical situations and establish methods to resolve such situations in absence of direct supervision.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including legal and medical terminology, and emergency response codes.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Must be able to utilize decimals and percentages, as well as interpret graphs.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated weaponry. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, weapons, etc. Must have high levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via two-way radio.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
The city of Portsmouth offers a complete and comprehensive benefit package to full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, legal, Flexible Spending Accounts, basic and optional life insurance, short-term disability insurance, Virginia Retirement System (includes a mandatory 5% employee contribution), holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plan, and Chartway Credit Union. To learn more details, visit
01


The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position. A lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. This means you will be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

03


Please select the highest level of education completed.

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associates/Vocational/Technical
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher

04


Are you currently a certified law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia? (A copy of your DCJS Certification must be attached to your application)

• Yes
• No

05


You must upload the following documents along with their online application:• Copy of your Birth Certificate • Copy of your valid Driver's License• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED Certificate• DD-214, if applicable.Please DO NOT submit your application without the required documents. Any applications without the required documents will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further. I have read and understand this statement and have attached the requested documents as required.

• Yes
• No

06


Have you been convicted of any criminal violation(s)?

• I have been convicted of a felony.
• I have been convicted of a misdemeanor
• I have been convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor
• I have not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor

07


Have you at any time participated in any illegal act, arising from the possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any narcotic, controlled substance or dangerous drug, as defined by state or federal law, excluding the use of marijuana?

• Yes
• No

08


Have you been in Possession or use of marijuana or any of its derivatives within the previous six(6) months?

• Yes
• No

09


Have you illegally possessed or consumed Adderall more than 3 times and/or withinthe last 3 years, or illegal possession of any Schedule I or Schedule II drug, orderivative thereof, within the last ten (10) years (excluding misdemeanormarijuana)?

• Yes
• No

10


Have you been convicted of A felony as defined in the Code of Virginia, or a crime of comparable nature in any other jurisdiction.

• Yes
• No

11


Are you a U.S. Citizen?

• Yes
• No

12


Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
13


Human Resource Management relies exclusively on email to maintain efficient and effective communication with Firefighter Recruit applicants. A valid and current email address must be indicated on your employment application in order to receive time-sensitive information pertaining to the application process.The email address indicated on this employment application is current, valid and can be used as a primary means of communicating with me regarding the Police Recruit application process.

• Yes
• No

14


Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 must be attached to your application).

• I am not a Veteran
• I am a Veteran

15


Have you been convicted of drunk driving or driving under the influence within the past 5 years?

• Yes
• No

16


How were you made aware of the job posting for Police Officer Recruit?
17


If you were referred for this position, please state who referred you. Please insert N/A if this is not applicable.
18


I have read and understand the automatic disqualifiers and minimum eligibility requirements. I certify that to the best of my knowledge none of these conditions apply to me and that I meet the minimum requirements for consideration as a Certified Police Officer. I have read and understand the above statement. I meet the minimum requirements for consideration as a Certified Portsmouth Police Officer.

• Yes
• No

Required Question