Police Officer I - City of Alexandria VA

Are you looking to make a direct impact in the community you serve? If so, the City of Alexandria's Police Department is encouraging you to apply for their Police Office I position. This is the entry-level officer position, with potential for professional growth. Please read this posting thoroughly for the description of the role as well as an overview of the recruitment process. To apply please submit an application by clicking the green "Apply" button on the top right corner of this posting. For more information please visit - www.joinAPDVA.com

Overview and Examples of Work

• Patrols a designated area of the City on foot, on a radio-equipped motorcycle, or in a radio-equipped car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic and to enforce motor vehicle operation and parking regulations;
• Answers calls and complaints involving fire, automobile accidents, robberies, neighborhood disturbances and other misdemeanors and felonies;
• Secures the scene of a crime, administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses and makes arrests;
• Testifies as a witness in court in connection with arrests and citations;
• Administers first aid at the scene of automobile accidents, interviews witnesses, gathers information and prepares detailed accident reports;
• Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries, attempts to make proper disposition, or directs them to proper authorities;
• Gives advice on laws and ordinances and general information to the public;
• Conducts investigations of vice and narcotics activities, investigates reports of stolen automobiles and property stolen from automobiles, and conducts follow-up investigations of homicides and thefts;
• Covers an assigned beat with primary emphasis on traffic law enforcement and provides specialized traffic control services in connection with parades and similar public events;
• Investigates charges of fraud, forgery, embezzlement and bad checks;
• Processes crime scenes;
• Maintains evidence and other property;
• Recruits applicants for police positions;
• Investigates cases of runaways, assaults, larcenies, burglaries, sex involving juveniles, child neglect and abuse, and vandalism;
• Conducts foot patrol and building searches, and tracks wanted persons as a K-9 official;
• Responds to domestic trouble and civil dispute cases;
• Investigates homicides, suicides, felonious assault and all sex-related cases when assigned as an investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division;
• Educates the public in crime prevention;
• Attends regular training classes in police methods, first aid, firearms qualifications and related subjects;
• Keeps informed with respect to persons of known bad character and places of questionable legality within an assigned area;
• Maintains records and prepares reports;
• Performs related work as required.

 
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED; one year of work experience involving public contact under varying circumstances; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence. Candidates for this class are required to meet the minimum age and medical standards as established by the Human Resources Department. Good character and background are essential requirements.
 
Preferred Qualifications
Four-Year College Degree or equivalent, directly-related work experience.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment testing to include: Written Examination, Mandatory Orientation, Background Questionnaire, Polygraph Examination, Background Investigation (including credit check), Senior Panel Interview, Police Chief Interview, Psychological Examination, Medical Examination, Drug Screen, and Driver License Check. 
 
 FAILURE AT ANY STEP RESULTS IN ELIMINATION FROM THE PROCESS 
 
AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS FOR POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER
 
 False Information

• Evidence that the applicant has willfully provided false or misleading information during the application or screening process, either orally or in writing.

Criminal History

• As an adult, being convicted of a felony crime.
• As an adult, being convicted of any crime felony or misdemeanor involving perjury, false statements or a crime of moral turpitude.
• As an adult, commission of an unreported felony crime during the three year period immediately preceding the date of application.
• Convicted of a crime of domestic violence.
• Recent or ongoing affiliation with, and/or support of, an organization or group which advocates the violent overthrow of the United States government, or whose professed goals are contrary to the interests of public safety.

 Substance Abuse 

• Illegal use of a controlled substance will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

 
WRITTEN EXAM INFORMATION
You must be at least 20 years old, a U.S. citizen or naturalized citizen and be able to provide proof of each prior to being allowed into the testing site. You must bring your driver's license, social security card, and proof of U.S. Citizenship (and a copy of each) in order to take the exam. 

An application and background packet for this position will be supplied upon successful completion of the written exam. The Background Packet is due two weeks after the examination.  
 
To view upcoming dates or register for a written test, visit www.JoinAPDVA.com and click JOIN US. Please contact Officer Shakita Warren at shakita.warren@alexandriava.gov, with any questions.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the exam starting time. No one will be allowed in after the testing has begun, so please plan your times accordingly. Panel Interviews will be conducted immediately following the test for those who successfully pass. Business attire or business casual is required.
 
The location for the examination is:
 Alexandria Police Department
 3600 Wheeler Avenue
 Alexandria, VA 22304
 
Following the written exam there will be a mandatory, brief orientation session to explain the hiring process in detail, and afford applicants an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. The estimated length of the hiring process may be anywhere from 2-3 months, due to the pre-employment requirements of a polygraph examination and background investigation. 
 
Please bring the following documents with you on the day of the exam: 

• Proof of US citizenship (Birth Certificate or Naturalization Paperwork or U.S. Passport).
• Valid Driver's License (must be the state in which you presently reside)
• Social Security Card

The following documents will also be needed for you to continue in the hiring process. You will not proceed in the process until all requested documents have been received. The following documents, however, are not required for entrance in to the examination:

• High School Diploma or Certified High School transcripts or GED
• College Degree or Certified transcripts from your College or University (if applicable)
• DD Form 214 (Long form) if applicable (military discharge paperwork)
• Certified transcript of your driving record.  Depending on your state, a 5 or 7-year history is needed. If you resided in and obtained a driving permit in 2 or more different states during a 7-year period, we will need both certified transcripts.
• Name change documents (if applicable).

You may park in our public parking lot which is located in front of Police Headquarters.
 
No weapons (which includes law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions) nor electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, palm pilots, etc.) will be permitted in the building.

 *Please note that applicants who enter the building are subject to a search.*
 
If you have any questions, or need to request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact:
 
Officer Shakita WarrenWebsite: www.joinAPDVA.com
 
Listed below are several hotels close to the testing site:
 
Embassy Suites
1900 Diagonal Road
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 684-5900
 
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria
2700 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone (703) 329-2323
 
Holiday Inn Alexandria
2460 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone (703) 960-0859