Job Description

Posting number: 41Recruit2026

Department: Police

Division: Sworn

Job classification: Police Recruit (Continuous)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Corrections, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Security

Summary

The City of Richmond Police Department is accepting applications for Police Recruits.

The City of Richmond Police Department is seeking individuals who desire a career in law enforcement with a large, urban "high performance" organization. The Police Recruit classification executes the beginning level of police work, providing protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Examples of duties

• Patrolling assigned City beat for traffic and other violations using a variety of transportation including patrol car, motorcycle, bicycle, and horse
• Making traffic stops and intervening in other criminal activity
• Conducting general field services, including monitoring police radio and responding to citizen calls and complaints
• Obtaining and issuing warrants
• Interviewing suspects and witnesses and following up with victims
• Interacting with city and community agencies and groups
• Responding to citizen calls, complaints and requests for information

Please check your e-mail regularly, as correspondence in reference to this recruitment will be e-mailed to you.

Successful completion of an interview, thorough background investigation, to include a polygraph exam, physical and drug/alcohol screening, is required. Please note that the Police Department background process may take up to 60-90 days. An applicant disqualified from the Police background process may reapply a year after disqualification.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of basic mathematics; English language; and capacity to learn to operate technical equipment such as police computers, radios, radar devices and cameras; firearms. Skills diffusing hostile situations; reading, interpreting and applying codes, rules, regulations, laws, departmental policies, procedures, principles, and practices of law enforcement; driving in normal as well as adverse conditions; navigating with a map and GPS; writing reports clearly and concisely; with interpersonal communication; communication in writing and verbally. Abilities problem solving; exhibiting a calm temperament and maturity; following standard procedures and established practices to resolve problems; exhibiting compassion and respect; handling stressful situations; respecting authority; following orders; making timely decisions under stress; exercising discretion, good judgment, and good decision-making; working with a diverse public in a courteous and respectful manner.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Candidates may apply at 20 years & 3 months old *must be 21 years of age at the time of graduation from the Police Training Academy.*
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• US citizenship
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record

For additional information about the City of Richmond's Police Department, click here.