Police Officer

Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County Sheriff

Salary: $69,074.10 – $124,047.04 Annually

Closing Date: 12/26/2025

Essential Functions:

  • Patrols an assigned area by car or foot to maintain law and order;
  • Responds to emergencies as directed by mobile display terminal, radio, or telephone;
  • Uses radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment;
  • Takes appropriate action in emergency situations in accordance with the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures and training;
  • Investigates unusual or suspicious conditions, traffic crashes, or incidents;
  • Responds to various types of alarms;
  • Makes arrests and maintains custody of those arrested;
  • Interviews suspects;
  • Gives testimony in court on actions taken during arrests and investigations in criminal matters;
  • Prepares reports on investigations, offenses, arrests, and activities using computer-based programs;
  • Administers first aid to injured persons and other employees as a first responder;
  • Investigates a wide variety of criminal offenses;
  • Responds to crime scenes, accident scenes and other traumatic events that involve death or serious physical injury;
  • Responds to and participates in investigations of serious crimes; acts as evidence collector/technician; fully investigates crimes not forwarded to a detective;
  • Identifies and preserves evidence at minor crime scenes;
  • Identifies and secures major crime scenes and maintains crime scene logs;
  • As assigned, participates in specialized vice and alcoholic beverage violation investigations and raids, ascertains information or secures evidence for the arrest of suspects, and searches for and apprehends criminal offenders;
  • May train newly sworn officers in the daily performance of their duties;
  • Performs public relations duties such as instructing citizens in crime prevention and personal safety techniques, and attends community events;
  • Builds and maintains relationships with residents and businesses located in their assigned Police Service Area;
  • Transports mental health clients to mental health facilities for treatment.

Requirements:

  • High school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education.
  • Successful completion of police recruit training.
  • Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license at time of appointment.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States; (or a permanent resident alien with an application for naturalization filed and pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may be considered).
  • Must be 20 years old, or within 180 days of 21st birthday at the time of academy start date, or currently a Police Cadet and within 180 days of 21st birthday at the time of academy start date.
  • Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination, and a physical ability test prior to appointment.
  • Applicants selected must be able to obtain a Class A medical rating in the assigned medical group prior to starting work.
  • Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case basis).
  • Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of, a felony or serious misdemeanor;
  • Must be of good character and reputation;
  • Incumbents shall not use any tobacco products on and off duty starting at the time of appointment.
  • The incumbent must be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products both on and off duty.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Associate or higher degree, or at least 60 credit hours towards a degree, from an accredited university or college.
  • Prior law enforcement or military experience.
  • Current law enforcement officer certification.
  • Professional working proficiency, or higher, in a foreign language or American Sign Language. Proficiency level to be evaluated.