Employment

Salaries

• $50,150* as a Police Officer Trainee attending the Chesapeake Police Academy.
• $54,000* after graduating from the Police Academy.
• Additional Pay Incentives:
  • $600*  yearly stipend for possessing an Associate's Degree OR
  • $1,000* yearly stipend for possessing a Bachelor's Degree
  • Sworn Officers are also rewarded overtime (OT) pay at 1 and ½ times your regular pay rate.
  • After serving for seven (7) years, you can reach the rank of Senior Police Officer and earn a minimum base pay of $65,755. You can expect to receive additional salary increases in the future.
• Please take a look at our new comprehensive public safety step pay plan. Police officers are rewarded for their dedicated service with a yearly salary increase for the first ten years, followed by an increase every other year.

Off-Duty Court Pay:

• Officers are entitled to overtime pay at their overtime rate for any off-duty court appearances.

Off-Duty Employment Pay:

• Sworn Police Officers earn a minimum of $50 per hour (4hr minimum pay) when they work various Off-Duty Employment jobs within the City that require law enforcement duties.
• These jobs include:
  • As a visible presence to deter unlawful acts and/or to maintain order.
  • As security and/or theft prevention.
  • As traffic control and/or direction.

*Note: Effective January 2024. Subject to change.

Benefits

• Take-Home Vehicle for Personal and Official Use
• Uniforms and Equipment Provided
• Free 24/7 Access to 7 Private Chesapeake PD Gyms
• Paid Specialized Training Opportunities (in-house and out-of-town)
• Paid Military Leave (up to 168 hours per year)
• Paid Annual Leave (up to 288 hours per year)
• Paid Sick Leave (up to 96 hours per year)
• Funeral Leave (up to 3 days for the death of certain family members)
• Family and Medical Leave (time off for the birth or adoption of a child, a serious health condition, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.)
• The City observes the same paid holidays and additional time off as the State of Virginia.
• Health and Wellness Incentives
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Virginia Retirement System Plan 
• Deferred Compensation
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Medical Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Legal Service Plan
• Additional Optional Life Insurance
• Additional Optional Long-Term Care Insurance
• All City Employee Benefits:

Internal Specialty Assignments

One of the notable aspects of the Chesapeake Police Department is the diversity of our career paths. From crime scene investigation to community policing, from K-9 to marine law enforcement, from narcotics to forensics, the Chesapeake Police Department has a career path that is sure to fit your skills and interests.

• Auto Theft Unit
• Automated Fingerprint Identification System
• Court Liaison
• Crash Reconstruction Unit
• Crime Prevention Unit
• Crimes Against Persons Unit
• Crimes Against Property Unit
• Criminal Investigations Section
• Crisis Negotiations Team
• Economic Crime Unit
• Ethics and Conduct Unit
• Honor Guard Unit
• Intelligence and Gang Section
• K-9 Patrol Unit
• Marine Patrol Unit
• Motor Carrier Unit
• Motorcycle Unit
• Police Explorer Post
• Polygraph Unit
• Property and Evidence Unit
• Uniform Patrol
• School Resource Officer
• Special Victims Unit
• Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)
• Standards and Research Unit
• Traffic Enforcement Unit
• Training Academy
• Underwater Search and Recovery Team
• Uniform, Equipment, and Fleet Unit
• Vice and Narcotics Section
• Warrant Unit
• Career Development Program
  • Senior Police Officer
  • Master Police Officer
  • Field Training Officer
• And More!

After a minimum of two (2) years as a Chesapeake Police Officer, you may be eligible to apply to various specialty units when vacancies are available.

Basic Qualifications

Here are some of the basic eligibility requirements for Police Officer and Police Officer Trainee candidates:

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be at least 20 years of age to apply and 21 years of age upon graduation from the police academy.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Automatic Disqualifying Factors

An extensive background investigation will be conducted. The discovery of any one of the factors below, at any time during the application process, shall automatically disqualify a candidate from continuing in the application process.

Read carefully and do not apply to this position if you meet any of these. Disqualifying factors include, but are not limited to, the following, from the date of application:

• More than two convictions involving any moving violation within the last 12 months.
• Violations or convictions that indicate that the valid driver's license is/was denied, suspended, or revoked during the past two years for any reason other than failure to pay fines or other non-drug or alcohol-related administrative reason(s).
• Drug or alcohol-related driving convictions within the past three years.
• More than one conviction of reckless driving or driving 20 or more miles over the speed limit within the past three years.
• Convictions that are so egregious that they could be deemed negligent in the City's duties to the public may be addressed separately through the City's Disciplinary Policy or may result in the disqualification of an applicant, intern, or volunteer. The date of conviction and anticipated date of hire will be used when determining eligibility under this policy.
• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to any felony.
• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to a misdemeanor involving acts of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing).
• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to a misdemeanor sex offense.
• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to domestic assault.
• Conviction of possession, manufacture, and/or distribution of illegal drugs, excluding possession of marijuana or any cannabis derivative.
• Use of Cocaine, LSD, PCP, or any type of hallucinogenic drug in the last five years, unless the candidate (i) has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program, or (ii) is participating in a supervised drug rehabilitation program and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs. Proof of successful completion of or active participation in a supervised drug rehabilitation program must be furnished to the Police Department.
• Dishonorable discharge, Bad conduct/Misconduct discharge, and Other than Honorable discharges from military service. General and Uncharacterized discharges from military service will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Untruthfulness or the withholding of pertinent information during any phase of the application process (e.g. application, interview, paperwork).
• Cheating on any examination or testing associated with the process.

Note: Both the online application and Personal History Statement are required to apply for this position. Failure to submit both will result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Step 1

Apply Online! 

• New Users must make a profile and then apply for a position.
• When your application is submitted successfully you will receive an automated confirmation email. Immediately move on to complete step 2.

• If you need assistance filling out the online application or have any questions in regard to the online application process please call Human Resources at 757-382-6492.

Step 2

Submit Personal History Statement (PHS): Download, complete, and submitted as soon as possible after submitting your online application. 

• Download the 2023 Personal History Statement (PDF)

It is strongly encouraged that you begin filling out this form as soon as possible in preparation as it is lengthy and requires a significant amount of detailed information. Do not leave any information out. Omissions and untruthful responses will result in your disqualification.

You must have pages 21 and 22 of the PHS packet signed and notarized. A notary must witness you sign the form. Do not sign it yourself until you are with the notary. (If you choose to hand deliver your PHS, you may have your PHS notarized at Police HQ Central Records at no cost Monday thru Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding holidays.)

Local Notary Resource Links:

1. Local Notary Service Locations*
2. Chesapeake Public Library Notary Service - Free!
3. Chesapeake Police HQ Central Records - Free!  

*Note: This is just a list of local notary resources via google.com search - you are not limited to utilizing the ones listed. Your PHS can be notarized out of state.

Two Ways to Submit Your Personal History Statement

Option 1

• Hand Delivery: 
  • Delivery Address:
    Chesapeake Police Department
    304 Albemarle Drive
    Chesapeake, VA 23322
• This option is available 24/7/365 including holidays via a secure grey PHS dropbox inside the lobby. PHS must be notarized before submitting it in the dropbox.

Option 2

• Certified Mail: 

  • Mailing Address:
    Attention: Background Investigations Unit
    Chesapeake Police Department
    304 Albemarle Drive
    Chesapeake, VA 23322

Step 3

Required Documents

Please gather color copies of the listed documents to submit along with your PHS or on the date of your PAT.

1. Valid Driver's License
2. Social Security Card
3. Birth Certificate
4. High School Diploma / Transcripts or G.E.D. Certificate
5. Vehicle Registration Card
6. Proof of Automobile Insurance
7. College Degree or Transcripts (if applicable)
8. Military DD-214 (if applicable)
9. Naturalization Form (if applicable)
10. VA DCJS Basic Law Enforcement Certification (Lateral applicants)
11. Law Enforcement Training Records (Lateral applicants)

Step 4

Complete Physical Ability Testing.

1. Physical ability course: (All sworn applicants must pass this course.)

   • The test will consist of a timed 150-yard course that will measure stamina and cardiovascular fitness in completing various job-related physical skills. The test simulates chasing a single suspect on foot and encountering circumstances that could arise during the foot pursuit. All obstacles must be successfully completed within 1:30 minutes or less. You must pass this test within two (2) attempts. If applicants are unable to climb the 5ft high wall in one try, they can bypass it and proceed with the rest of the course.

   • Watch PAT Course Video

1. Sit on a bench and listen to the suspect's description.
2. Run 25 yards and jump over a 3-foot simulated ditch.
3. Run 25 yards and climb over a 5-foot high wall.
4. Run 10 yards and crawl under an obstacle (24 inches high and 10 feet long).
5. Run 25 yards and climb up & down a standard step for 12 repetitions.
6. Run 15 yards and crawl through a window opening (36" W X 30" H).
7. Run 10 yards and identify the suspect (picture).
8. Run 15 yards and drag a 150 lb dummy 5 yards.
9. Run 20 yards and complete the trigger pull exercise. 

2. Physical Performance Test: (Only Police Officer Trainee applicants complete this testing.)

• After you successfully PASS the Physical Ability Course, you will then be required to COMPLETE the Physical Performance Test and PASS the 300 Meter Sprint and Push-ups, on the same day, which consists of the:

  1. V-Sit and Reach       Assessment Only

  2. 300 Meter Sprint       Male 112 / Female 142 seconds or less. **MUST PASS**

  3. Sit Ups                      Assessment Only

  4. Push Ups                  Male 11 / Female 4 or more (no time limit). **MUST PASS**

  5. 1.5 Mile Run             Assessment Only

*Police Officer Trainee applicants must PASS the Police Obstacle Course (within 2 attempts). If applicants are unable to climb the 5ft high wall in one try, they can bypass it and proceed with the rest of the course. Applicants then COMPLETE the Police Fitness Test and PASS the 300 Meter Sprint and Push-ups, on the same day.

Applicants may be permitted to schedule up to three (3) retests during the same hiring process without needing to reapply.

Are you physically prepared?

• FREE Physical Fitness Training Classes. Work out with our officers and get insider tips to be the best prepared for testing and our academy's physical standards. You may also request to practice the 5ft High PAT Course View Dates

Phases of the Hiring Process:

Our Basic Law Enforcement Academy sessions, for Police Officer Trainees, tentatively start: On the first Monday in March and the first Monday in October of each year with the possibility of additional start dates.  Virginia Experienced Police Officers and Out-of-State Police Officer hire dates vary.* 

Phase 1

1. Submit online application
2. Submit Personal History Statement (PHS) to Background Investigations Unit via certified mail or hand delivery to the Chesapeake Public Safety Building (Chesapeake Police Headquarters 304 Albemarle Drive; Chesapeake, VA 23322)
3. Physical Ability Test (PAT) - All eligible applicants are registered for the PAT at the Chesapeake Law Enforcement Training Center (CLETA)
4. Background Investigation Process - A thorough background investigation will be conducted on each applicant selected to continue in the application process; this will include a personal interview with a Background Investigator
   • Online Personal History Questionnaire completed by each applicant
   • Personality Profile Written Exam (LESI) -taken at Police Department.

Phase 2

1. Formal Panel Interview and Personal Interview with Police Command Staff
   • Applicants are photographed and fingerprinted at CPD Headquarters on the same day.
2. Chief's Selection - The Chief of Police will select which eligible applicants will receive further consideration for hire. -Applicants are not present.
3. Conditional Offer Of Employment -  presented to the selected applicants. -If you are not selected for further consideration, you will receive a notification by email.

Phase 3

1. Polygraph Exam
2. 
   
3. Psychological / Mental Health Evaluation
   • MMPI - 2RF Written Test
   • Video Interview with Psychologist at Police Department.
4. Fit for Duty Exam / Physical Evaluation
   • Drug/Alcohol Screening
5. Payroll Meeting
6. Academy Start Date - New Employee Orientation

*Note: The length of the hiring process varies and may take approximately 3 - 12 months, or more, depending on factors such as when you apply, your eligibility, the number of applicants, the date of the next available academy, etc. Dates are subject to change.

Join our DoD SKillbridge Program

Embrace a Rewarding Community Service: Say Goodbye to Deployments, Unpaid Overtime, and Travel Restrictions!

Are you an active-duty service member seeking a smooth transition to civilian life while continuing your service to the community? Look no further! Our Skillbridge training program is tailored just for YOU. As a Skillbridge participant, you can join the Chesapeake Police Academy and secure a full-time city employment opportunity upon completion of your active service.

Unlike typical military assignments, you won't have to worry about deployments or seeking permission to travel out of town. Our academies are structured for your convenience, primarily running from Monday to Friday during the day, allowing you to return home every day. This 6-month-long academy experience will equip you with the skills you need to excel in your new career.

The end date is flexible, your Skillbridge program ends on your specific end-of-active service date. Upon completion of active duty and your transition to full-time city employment, we value your dedication with a competitive starting salary. As a full-time City employee, you'll also enjoy the added benefits of state retirement and comprehensive City benefits, ensuring your financial security and well-being.

Furthermore, your dedication will be recognized and rewarded. Following academy graduation, your base salary will increase, with potential opportunities for Overtime (OT) Pay at 1 and ½ times your regular pay rate, offering you additional financial incentives.

We also understand the importance of education, which is why we offer tuition reimbursement if you’re looking to obtain a college degree and you may be eligible to access your GI Bill benefits during the initial 24 months of service with us, providing you with valuable financial support.

Take the first step towards an exciting and fulfilling career journey. Join our Chesapeake Police Academy Skillbridge program in January, March, or October and pave the way for a promising future filled with growth and opportunity!

Skillbridge Program: Chesapeake Police Academy

 Training: VA DCJS Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course

 Course topics include but are not limited to:

• Basic Investigations
• Case Law
• Communications
• Crime Scene Preservation
• Defensive Tactics
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Evidence Collection
• Firearms and Marksmanship
• First Aid / Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Officer Survival
• Patrol Techniques
• Physical Fitness
• Virginia Criminal Code
• Virginia Motor Vehicle Code
• Ethics
• And More!

 Follow these steps to get started:

1. Submit a “DoD Skillbridge *Active-Duty Military Only – Internships all positions” application with the City of Chesapeake here: https://jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/8997
2. Submit a “Police Officer Trainee” application with the City of Chesapeake here: https://jobs.cityofchesapeake.net
3. Email our Recruiter to express interest in the program: CPDrecruiting@CityOfChesapeake.net     
4. Obtain written approval from your command showing the dates you are eligible for Skillbridge.

Chesapeake Police Recruiting FAQs (PDF)