The Appeal of a Career in Virginia Law Enforcement
Law enforcement has the support of our communities, with no efforts taking place around defunding
You’ll gain unique skills and exceptional opportunities for growth and development
Law enforcement officers cover a wide range of responsibilities that make a difference in their community
Out-of-State Officer Transfer
Law enforcement agencies in Virginia welcome officer experience from other states. Currently employed law enforcement professionals from outside of Virginia who wish to transfer may qualify for a partial training waiver, allowing you to get to work faster.
Minimum Employment Qualifications
To become a law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Citizen of the United States
- Valid driver’s license
- No convictions of a felony or any offense that would be a felony if convicted in Virginia
- High school diploma or equivalency
- Pass background investigation
- No conviction of a misdemeanor offense involving moral turpitude; sex offense or domestic assault
- Pass physical exam
- At least 18 years of age
- Not having produced a positive result on a pre-employment drug screening
Code of Virginia § 15.2-1705 (1950) as amended, provides that the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services may waive the requirements for minimum employment qualifications for good cause shown. If you believe you qualify for a minimum qualifications waiver, your agency must submit a Form W-1 and an attached a letter of explanation of good cause for waiver to your DCJS Field Services Representative.
Explore Law Enforcement Roles and Training - Law Enforcement
A law enforcement officer’s main duties include patrolling assigned areas to ensure civilians adhere to the law, investigating
crimes or accidents, and arresting criminal suspects.
crimes or accidents, and arresting criminal suspects.
Roles
- Police Officer
- Sheriff's Deputy
- State Troopers
- Conservation Police Officer
- Virginia ABC Police Officer
- School Resource Officer
- Campus Police Officer
- K-9 Handler
- Marine Police Officer
Training Requirements
Upon employment, law enforcement officer trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards.
State Exam
Once a trainee completes the law enforcement minimum training at an academy, the trainee must successfully pass the state certification exam.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
To maintain certification, law enforcement officers must continue in-service training throughout their careers.
Law enforcement officers wishing to transfer from out-of-state may qualify for a training waiver based on experience.
Court security officers manage the security of the courthouse, verifying the identity of the visitors, and reporting any suspicious activities and behaviors within the premises.
Roles
- Courtroom Security Officer
- Courtroom Security Deputy
- Bailiff
- Marshal
Training Requirements
Courtroom security officer/deputy trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
State Exam
No state exam is required for courtroom security officer/deputy trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every courtroom security officer/deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
Jail officers and deputies assist in overseeing the daily activities in jails or other facilities and keep order by enforcing the rules and regulations.
Roles
- Jail Officer
- Jail Deputy
Training Requirements
Jail security officer/deputy trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
State Exam
No state exam is required for jail officer/deputy trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every jail officer/deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
Law enforcement officers wishing to transfer from out-of-state may qualify for a training waiver based on experience.
Civil process deputies serve civil and legal court papers on persons throughout their jurisdiction.
Roles
- Civil Process Deputy
Training Requirements
Civil process deputy trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
State Exam
No state exam is required for civil process deputy trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every civil process deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
Dispatcher responsibilities may include receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, monitoring driver logs, and dispatching appropriate teams.
Roles
- Dispatcher
Training Requirements
Dispatcher trainees have 24 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
State Exam
No state exam is required for dispatcher trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
In-service for dispatchers is currently not a requirement for certified dispatchers.
A corrections officer is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order and routines at a prison or other correctional facility.
Roles
- Provisional Instructor
- Juvenile Corrections Officer
- Non-Custodial Employees of Dept. of Corrections
Training Requirements
Minimum training requirements vary based on role:
State Exam
No state exam is required for corrections trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every corrections officer must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
Veterans in Law Enforcement
If you’re a veteran considering a career in Virginia law enforcement, DCJS can provide you with helpful resources.
Virginia Department of Human Resource Management
Virginia Employment Commission
Virginia Values Veterans V3 Program
What You Should Know About Entering
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement
You must complete all training as required by the agency and DCJS
Agencies have additional standards unique to their locales, including education requirements
Salaries vary per agency, as do benefits, pension or retirement, paid time off, and other employment factors
