How Long Is The Basic Training Program What Is The Schedule
The Basic Law Enforcement training is 85 days of training. If you are also attending the deputy portion, it is an additional three weeks. The schedule varies from week to week. Some weeks will be Tues Thurs from 6am to 4:30pm. Some weeks will be Mon Fri 8am 5pm. There will also be times that you will be required to train in the evening into the night. Training will take place at three different locations.
What Does A Police Officer Do
With the aim to serve and protect, a police officer is the first responder when a crime is committed. Its their job to respond to emergency calls and provide assistance to public by apprehending law violators. Police officers are also required to patrol their designated areas, monitoring activities to protect property and people.
A police officer is responsible for enforcing law, conducting criminal investigations, and processing incident reports with factual information. Police officer candidates are required to have at least a high school diploma, although preference is given to those who have an associate or a bachelors degree in law or related discipline.
Virginia Beach Police Exam
With its population of 454,846 people, Virginia Beach is the biggest city in the state. It is a popular resort with magnificent beaches and beautiful city parks.
The Virginia Beach Police Department was formed in 1963 and is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It employs 972 sworn and civilian staff in 4 precincts and has units like Bikes, Bomb Squad, Helicopter, Horses, K9, Motorcycles, and SWAT. To join the department, you need to apply through the Citys web application site the WAVE-Web Application for Virginia Beach Employment site.
The written exam that you will have to take is an Entry-Level Law Enforcement Written Exam developed by CWH Research. The test measures your reading and writing skills and also features Situational Judgment Tests to assess your interpersonal skills, integrity, emotional stability, values, etc. There are two main versions of the test the older one is the CWH-SSLE for Selection Solutions for Law Enforcement which includes math, while the newer version is called the CWH-NGLE and does NOT include math. Now, the test is distributed by I/O solutions.
The entire tests should be completed in 3 and a half hours and the time includes 15 minutes for instructions.
The test features between 130 and 170 multiple-choice questions in three main areas:
Make sure that you answer all of the questions and be honest on the personal ones.
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Becoming A Police Officer In Chesapeake Virginia
Police officers in Chesapeake strive to promote a safe city through the enforcement of laws and crime prevention initiatives in partnership with the community. This is reflected in the departments four core values: professionalism, respect, community service, and integrity.
If this sounds appealing to you, then consider applying for available Chesapeake police jobs. This guide will walk you through the steps required to apply and ultimately become a police officer in Chesapeake, Virginia:
- 20 miles an hour or more over the speed limit
- Three or more moving violations
- No recent illegal drug use
- If you have served in the military you must have received an honorable discharge
- Good physical condition
Step 2. Application
Your next step will be to complete an online application for the position of Police Officer Trainee. Make sure to attach all required documents, sign the necessary forms, and fill out the application completely. Failure to do any of these will result in either a delayed response or the dismissal of your application.
When your application has been received and is judged to be complete, the Chesapeake PD will email you with your appointment time to take your physical ability test.
Step 3. Personal History Statement
Step 4. Physical Agility Test
- Remembering an imaginary suspects description
- Running
- Dragging a 150-pound dummy five yards
Step 5. Background Investigation
Step 6. Interviews
Step 7. Polygraph Examination
- Basic law
How Do I Become A Police Officer In Virginia

In order to become a police officer in the state of Virginia, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Possess a valid drivers license
- Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status
- Pass the Virginia State Police entrance exam
- Complete an accredited law enforcement training academy
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Richmond Police On Recruitment Blitz To Hire 140 Officers Coalition Seeks Collective Bargaining Rights
RICHMOND, Va. – Down 140 sworn officers, the Richmond Police Department hopes a new campaign, touting better pay, will bring new hires.
This is actually a historic raise. The largest raise that weve seen and what its going to do is its going to give us the ability to compete with the surrounding jurisdictions, said Major Darrell Goins of the Richmond Police Department.
The department is on a mission to recruit the remaining 20% of its force.
Starting July 1, pay for police officers in the City of Richmond will go from $44,000 a year to $51,000. Thats matching police officer salaries in Henrico County and ahead of officer pay in Chesterfield County.
For years the city had been lagging in first responder pay when compared to neighboring counties. Pay issues, coupled with a summer of unrest in 2020, created morale issues within the department, and many left.
If you want to be a part of the change you come in and you can work from the inside and you help impact that change, said Goins.
But, new recruitment efforts are underway focusing on how quickly officers can get experience and move up within the department. Recruiters are also pushing the better pay message.
Were still competitive at this point but we just need to make sure that this raise was not just a one-time fix it all, said Brendan Leavy, President of Richmond Coalition of Police.
Leavy says by the end of the year both Henrico and Chesterfield will leapfrog what Richmond is offering.
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First Assignment: Patrol Officer
After you have graduated from the training academy, you will be assigned to a Field Training Officer until you are ready to be released for solo duty. Your first assignment as a Henrico County Police Officer: Patrol.
Patrol officers perform a variety of law enforcement duties. In discharging responsibilities, the police officer must exercise sound judgment in emergencies and must apply his/her knowledge of policing techniques and practices and federal, state, and local laws while protecting lives and property. Duties may include but are not limited to: patrols specific area in a police vehicle arrest, process, and escort of prisoners to jail issue summonses and warnings for traffic violations maintains crowd and traffic control as needed properly prepare and present court cases administer first aid treatment as needed investigate suspicious activities, drug and narcotic offenses, and other criminal activities any a variety of other law enforcement work as assigned.
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Police Education And Training
It is becoming more and more competitive to become a law enforcement officer. This is one of the main reasons why higher education and professional degree has become increasingly important for those who want to join a law enforcement agency. Although the minimum requirement to join the force in Virginia, VA is high school diploma, more and more people are seeking associate or bachelors degree in criminal justice or related field. This is to build knowledge and skills that can improve a law enforcement career. Criminal justice degree explores various aspects of crime and prepares students for roles in public safety, security, law enforcement, and judicial system.
Virginia Police Training Academies
Virginia is home to 10 police training academies. These are:
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Off Duty Police Officer
Top 10 Best Police Departments In Virginia
Police officers are in high demand, and it can be difficult to find the perfect job.
When looking for a new opportunity, police applicants want to know that they have an equal chance of being hired by any given department, that the city has a good quality of life, and that there are plenty of opportunities for advancement.
The following is our top 10 list of best sheriffs offices and police departments in Virginia at which you could work!
However, before applying to any department, be sure to check out the specific requirements and make sure you meet all of them!
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Virginia Deputy Sheriff Requirements
Virginia sheriffs and deputy sheriffs work in detention centers, provide security at courthouses, and provide rural patrol and law enforcement services. To become a Virginia deputy sheriff, you must at least meet the state minimums for law enforcement officers. Some departments may have additional qualifications for candidates.
About The State Of Virginia

Virginia is the birthplace of eight United States presidents, more than any other state.
The capital of Virginia is Richmond, and its largest city is Virginia Beach.
In 1776, the Commonwealth of Virginia declared independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution.
The state is known for its historic sites and attractions. The first Europeans to settle in Virginia were Englishmen who arrived nearly 400 years ago in Jamestown beginning in 1607.
Virginia has a total area of 42,774 square miles, making it the 35th-largest state.
Its average population density is 129.0 inhabitants per square mile, and its median household income is $66,262+.
It is nicknamed The Old Dominion due to its status as one of the 13 original states in the United States prior to the American Revolution.
The cost of living in Virginia is relatively low, and its diversity makes it a desirable place to live for many people.
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How Do I Become A Police Officer
If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, apply with the agency you would like to work for. You can check the website of the police department or sheriffs office you would like to apply to for their application requirements. Once you are hired by one of our agencies, they will send you to our academy for your basic training to become certified.
If you would like to receive your law enforcement certification prior to applying to an agency, you can find more information through DVJS .
For Additional Information:
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How Much Does It Cost To Become A Police Officer
The costs associated with becoming a law enforcement agent vary greatly by state and even within individual agencies.
In Virginia, the cost of training to become a law enforcement officer can range from $2000-$10000. This fee usually includes all your necessary equipment, such as uniforms and firearms.
From Application To Graduation
Youve completed the hiring process submitted your application, underwent the countless tests and interviews, and finally got the call youve been waiting for youve been offered a position to become a Henrico County Police Officer! So, whats next? Show up for work on Monday and get your uniform and badge? Not quite
The next step in becoming a Henrico County Police Officer is to graduate from the 32-week Basic Training Academy. The academy is designed to prepare and train you for your career ahead. Heres a closer look at what you can expect.
TIP: In the time between when you apply and before the academy begins, focus on your physical fitness! Being prepared not only will help you throughout the academy, it will demonstrate to police training staff youre serious about the job.
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Virginia Beach Police Department
With a population of over 450,000 people and an area covering nearly 80 square miles, the Virginia Beach Police Department is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Virginia.
As part of its mission to provide public safety throughout the city, including patrolling land and waterways with three marine units maintained by VBPDs Harbor Unit , the Department offers a range of opportunities for career advancement.
In addition to its Patrol and Investigations Divisions, VBPD has specialized units including those focused on narcotics investigations, gangs, criminal intelligence, domestic violence, forensics/crime scene investigation, K-12 school resource officers , and more.
In 2016, the Department was named one of Law Enforcement News Top 30 Best Police Departments in America.
Police Officer salaries are very competitive and include a full benefits package .
Applicants must be 21 years old with a valid drivers license and a high school diploma/GED.
The City of Virginia Beach is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. With its world-famous boardwalk, miles of sandy beaches, and an array of restaurants and nightlife options, the city offers something for everyone.
Training Institutions For Police Officers In Virginia
Police training academy prepares recruits for dangerous situations, training them to respond to different types of crimes. Working as law enforcement officer is quite an unpredictable job, as police officers can face unforeseen and risky situations on duty. In Virginia, VA, Criminal Justice Services Board establishes the curriculum and sets training standards for police officers. Below are some certified academies in Virginia that provide basic training to the police officers.
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies , the Richmond City Police Department screens and selects the most qualified candidates for training. The basic recruit training takes 32 weeks to complete.
Located in Central Virginia near the City of Richmond, the Chesterfield County Police Department is a progressive department. The basic training at the academy consists of non-residential 32 weeks program and a two-month field training period.
The basic training takes place at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy and is an intensive 16-week program. The training challenges recruits mental and physical capabilities, providing knowledge in crime law, basic investigations, surveillance, defensive tactics, firearms, and evidence collection.
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