Introduction

Are you looking for a meaningful career that will allow you to make a difference in the community? The Prince William County Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of police officer. This is your opportunity to join a progressive department that places a strong emphasis on serving the public, and provides great benefits and a competitive salary! Prince William County police officers also enjoy a paid VRS retirement, permanent, non-rotating patrol shifts and paid Academy training. Special hiring incentives are available for education, military experience, Spanish language skills, and a $10,000 signing bonus.
 
Prince William County is a growing, diverse and dynamic community located within easy commuting distance from Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. The Police Department offers many opportunities for growth, advancement, and participation in a variety of specialized units, including:
 

• Canine Unit

• Community Engagement Unit

• Forensic Services Section

• Crash Investigation

• Criminal Investigations

• Co-responder Unit

• Marine Unit (part-time)

 We are also looking for Certified Police Officers to transfer to our growing Department. As an already certified officer in the state of Virginia or another state, you will receive the following:

• 100% credit for your current for years of service for salary determination purposes 
• $3,000 bonus (specific requirements apply)
• No Basic Recruit Academy - Modified Academy and Field Training program instead 
• Accrual of leave at the years of service you are credited for.
• Excellent promotional opportunities

If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career where each day is different, we invite you to apply today. To find out more about our department, please click on the link below to visit our webpage.www.joinpwcpd.org



 To see if you have what it takes click here for a short video

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DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

At the entry level, an employee attends the Police Academy and completes a probationary training period under close supervision.  At the full proficiency level, an employee performs responsible protective service work under regular supervision.
 
TYPICAL TASKS*:
 
Collects relevant evidence at crime scenes and/or traffic incidents;
Assumes supervisory duties when authorized;
Performs administrative tasks as assigned, to include computer operations related to tasks;
Operates a patrol car to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances if law and order, on an assigned shift;
Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints;
Serves warrants and makes arrests; and conducts interviews and interrogations;
Testifies in court;
Provides police escorts and directs traffic;
Performs special assignments of booking or desk officer;
Performs multiple and various tasks related to protective services;
Reports unsafe conditions existing in street or public facilities; or in public schools;
Assists with criminal investigations by presenting evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses, prepares property and evidence duties, recording and issuing of evidence in court cases;
May be assigned to police academy as instructor;
Prepares detailed reports.

*Entry level trains to become fully proficient.
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES*: 

Thorough knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the geography of the County, County schools  and location of important buildings; thorough knowledge of school violence response plans; thorough knowledge of Juvenile Justice System and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of the Criminal Justice System to include pertinent state and County criminal and traffic codes; thorough knowledge of police procedures, courtroom procedures and testimony relevant to court decisions; thorough knowledge of criminal investigations procedures, department rules and regulations and judicial procedures; some knowledge of Child Protective Services procedures; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; general knowledge of police investigative and identification techniques, rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear, comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously but firmly with the general public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, other County employees and the general public; skills in the use of firearms defensive tactics and operation of motor vehicles; ability to operate standard office equipment including personal computers and related software; ability to recognize, protect and properly collect all types of relevant evidence at crime scenes, traffic accidents, etc.; ability to operate personal computers applicable to the police department software to include Mac's and basic computer skills; ability to solve problems and resolve issues; ability to perform multiple and varied tasks; ability to conduct criminal investigations and provide accurate documentation of information; ability to collect information through various resources and utilize to resolve issues.

*Entry level trains to become fully proficient.

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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school graduate or have passed a General Education Requirement (GED); must have graduated from Police Academy and successfully passed a 12 month probationary period following graduation.

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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid driver's license;
• Must pass DMV record check.

 
Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Vision must be 20/200 uncorrected, correctable with the aid of glasses or contacts to 20/40 in the worst eye and 20/20 in the better eye;
• Must be capable of hearing normal frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 hertz at a pure tone level of 25 decibels or less in either ear;
• Must be able to support the weight of the duty belt and ballistic vest (weighted between 20 lbs-40 lbs);
• Must be able to wear and operate a department issued full face, tight fitting respirator, as well as successfully pass an annual FIT Test;
• Must be able to physically restrain or subdue individuals;
• Must be able to perform under emergency conditions which often involves considerable personal hazard to include individuals with weapons;
• Must be adaptable to perform under stress when confronted with situations that involve running, walking, standing, stooping, crawling, dragging, lifting, climbing, pushing and raising objects over ones head;

Requirements:

• Sitting/standing up to 10 hours per day;
• Support of extra weight up to 40 lbs for 10 hours per day;
• Walking up to 2 miles per day (10 hours);
• Stooping up to 4 hours per day;
• Climbing (ladders, inclines, stairs, etc.);
• Kneeling for extended periods of time;
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and dragging heavy weight.
• Possess constant mental faculties to maintain concentration and make appropriate decisions in stressful situations. 

Environmental Hazards - Job may risk exposure to the following:

• Bright/dim lights;
• Dusts and pollens;
• Extreme heat and/or cold;
• Wet or humid conditions;
• Extreme noise levels;
• Animals/wildlife;
• Fumes and/or noxious odors;
• Heights;
• Disease/pathogens;
• Uneven terrain/sloping or slippery surfaces.