Police Officer Trainee

Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth Police Department

Salary: $54,000.00 Annually.

Position Summary:
Under close supervision, this position serves as the entry level trainee classification where employees are required to attend and successfully complete a Police Academy to learn the proper procedures and policies in law enforcement and crime prevention. Reports to a Police Training Sergeant.
Essential Functions:

  • Learns techniques to evaluate situations and determines the most appropriate course of action including pursuing or apprehending suspects; interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects, and other contact persons; crime scene and evidence preservation.
  • Studies various criminal activities requiring law enforcement intervention such as homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, property crimes, domestic violence, narcotics related activities, crimes by and against juveniles, and other crimes.
  • Studies guidelines to present court testimony and maintain associated case files; becomes familiar with completing forms, preparing reports, and correspondence.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from high school or GED or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Shall have reached his/her 21st birthday by the time of their Department of Criminal Justice Services Certification.
  • Must pass an initial written test and physical agility.
  • Requires satisfactory results from a medical, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
  • A valid Virginia’s driver’s license prior to employment with an acceptable driving record to include a zero or positive point balance and are required to refrain from the use of tobacco.
  • Must obtain and maintain for continued employment U.S. Citizenship prior to appointment as a Police Officer; all State requirements for Police Officers as specified in Virginia Code; all federal and state requirements to carry a firearm; and may require certifications such as Breathalyzer certification.
  • Must be able to wear a standard issued duty belt with all applicable instrumentation.
  • Must successfully complete a certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and associated field training within one year of employment.
  • Additional training may be necessary to meet the requirements of some division assignments.
  • Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check; sex offender registry and credit check.