Police Employment

Law Enforcement Career Opportunities

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Applicant Qualifications

Employees of a police department are continually subjected to a range of physical and mental stress under hazardous conditions. Each candidate will be thoroughly evaluated to determine if their abilities are compatible with the duties and responsibilities of being a police officer. To be considered for employment, you must meet the minimum qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • 21 years of age at date of hire
  • High school graduate or possess a valid G.E.D. certificate recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Licensed driver with demonstrated safe driving record
  • Must be able to successfully complete medical and psychological exams, and criminal background investigation with credit history check
  • Must qualify for Police Officer appointment under Department of Criminal Justice System (DCJS) guidelines
  • Have never committed, been involved in, or convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
  • Be of good character and reputation
  • Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing in English
  • Must have a stable work history
  • Have the ability to perform essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation

Candidate Disqualifiers
There are some past and present behavior(s) which make some applicants not desirable for employment because they do not meet the standards of the Department. Applicants who have past or current behavior(s) as listed below will not be considered for employment.
Driving Record
Applicants with six or more demerits in the past six months and/or two or more license suspensions or revocations.

Criminal Activity
Must have never committed, been involved in or been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.

Discrepancies
Applicants must not misrepresent, misinform, mislead, or provide inaccurate, untruthful or distorted information in the background questionnaire or during any part of the selection process.

Other
Behavior(s) which do not necessarily reach the level of severity of the disqualifiers listed above, but may still be a basis for rejection after consideration of each case on its individual merits.

POLICE DEPARTMENT APPLICATION PROCESS
The selection process utilized by the Northern Virginia Community College Police Department is thorough to ensure the best-qualified candidates are selected. The following are the components of the selection process:

  • NOVA online application with supporting documentation
  • Interviews
  • Psychological exam
  • Medical exam
  • Background investigation

Application Process

  • Applicant completes online application
  • Qualified applicants selected will be interviewed by NOVA Police Department staff
  • After interview, applicant may be asked to complete Authorization for Release of Information form and be finger-printed
  • After interview, applicant may be asked to complete an online background investigation packet and be interviewed by investigator
  • If applicant moves forward in process, psychological and medical examinations are scheduled and completed; hiring referral and paperwork sent to Human Resources for processing
  • If hired as a non-certified Police Officer, employee will attend and must satisfactorily complete the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy
  • One-year probationary period for all new employees

Training

  • Academy (as needed)
  • Field Training
  • In-service Training

Complete an application on NOVA’s Applicant Tracking System.

Assignments
Police department staff may be assigned at any NOVA location/property and assignment location may change during tenure.

Benefits
Learn more about NOVA’s benefits.
Learn more about Virginia Law Officers’ Retirement System (VaLORs).