Police Officer

Charlottesville, VA
Albemarle County Sheriff

Salary: $53,040 per year.

Position Summary:

A Police Officer performs general duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. The work in this position normally consists of routine patrol, preliminary investigation and traffic control duties in a designated area on an assigned shift. Patrol may be performed in motor vehicles, on motorcycles or on foot. Police Officer duties involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without immediate supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. An Officer may be assigned to work on special assignments or as an investigator, K-9 officer, plainclothes officer, community relations officer or training officer. Specific work assignments are made by a Police Sergeant or other superior, and work methods and results are checked through personal inspections, review of reports and discussions.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrols the County to preserve law and order, to identify and solve problems, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, to serve the public and to direct traffic and enforce motor vehicle laws;
  • Answers calls and complaints involving fire, automobile accidents, neighborhood disturbances and other misdemeanor and felony crimes occurring in the County;
  • Secures crime scenes, administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses and makes arrests;
  • Testifies in court in connection with arrests and citations;
  • Conducts criminal investigations and sensitive internal investigations;
  • Interviews/interrogates suspects, gathers information and prepares detailed reports;
  • Interviews individuals with complaints and inquiries, attempts to make proper disposition or directs them to proper authorities;
  • Give advice on laws, ordinances, and general information to the public;
  • Covers an assigned sector/beat in County with primary emphasis on community policing/problem solving;
  • Maintains evidence and other property;
  • Recruits applicants for police positions;
  • Attends regular in-service training classes to maintain state certification;
  • Performs crime prevention activities (security surveys, presentations to civic and business groups, etc.);
  • Conducts follow-up investigations;
  • Performs related work as required.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age prior to completion of the training academy.
  • A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to two years of continuous employment.
  • Successful applicants must pass a written and a physical agility test.
  • Possess or be eligible for a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Have no conviction of felonies and/or habitual misdemeanors.
  • Pass an extensive background investigation which includes a polygraph, psychological, medical and drug screening.
  • Must also successfully complete appropriate training as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Services for certified police officers.

Preferred Requirements:

  • College-level coursework or prior work experience in law enforcement, corrections or armed services preferred.