I Want To
This SectionJoin the Chesapeake Police Department!
1. Police Officer (VA Experienced Officer)
Starting Salary $50,326+
(*based on years of experience at hire)
May be hired within 60 days and skip our full academy!
*VA Experienced Officer information!
2. Police Officer Trainee (No Experience Required)
Starting Salary $45,213
($50,326 after academy graduation)
We are currently accepting applications for our MARCH 2023 academy!
Are YOU Professional Enough & Do YOU Care Enough?
Serve "The City that Cares." Join the Chesapeake Police Department!
Do you have what it takes?
A deep sense of integrity and determination, stamina and intelligence, dedication to protecting the public, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of many are just the beginning.
We are looking for men and women who thrive on challenges and pride themselves in serving others, and are willing to work hard to learn the necessary skills for this challenging but critical role. Becoming a police officer can be a tough, demanding and unpredictable job, but it is also one of the most rewarding positions you will ever have. Every day that you wear your uniform and badge, you will be making the City of Chesapeake a safer and better place to live for you, your family, your friends and your neighbors. Nothing is more valuable than that.
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 21 years of age upon graduation from the academy (may apply at 20+ years of age).
- 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:
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.
- Convictions that indicate that the valid drivers 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.
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Convictions which 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 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.
Salaries & Benefits
Starting Salaries
$45,213* (while attending the Chesapeake Law Enforcement Training Academy)
Upon successful completion of the approx. 6 month Chesapeake Law Enforcement Training Academy:
$50,326* for possessing a High School Diploma or GED
$600* Stipend for possessing an Associate's Degree or
$900* Stipend for possessing a Bachelor's Degree
(*subject to change)
Benefits
- Take-Home Car Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Uniforms and Equipment Provided
- Free Access to Private CPD Fitness Centers
- Paid Specialized Training Opportunities
- Uniforms & Clothing Allowance
- Military Leave
- Merit Increases
- Automatic City Employee Benefits, including:
- Virginia Retirement System Plan,
- Life Insurance,
- Disability Insurance,
- Long Term Care Insurance,
- Paid Time Off
- Optional City Employee Benefits, including:
- Deferred Compensation,
- Health Insurance,
- Dental Insurance,
- Vision Insurance,
- Flexible Spending Accounts,
- Additional Optional Long Term Care Insurance,
- Legal Service Plan,
- Additional Optional Life Insurance
- And More! , including:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP),
- Funeral Leave,
- In-house Training Program,
- Public Service Leave,
- Wellness Program
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 & 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 & Fleet Unit
- Vice and Narcotics Section
- Warrant Unit
- Career Development Program
- Senior Police Officer
- Master Police Officer
- Field Training Officer
- And More!
Generally, after a minimum of two to three years as a Chesapeake Police Officer, you may be eligible to apply to various specialty units when vacancies are available.
How to Apply
NOTE: BOTH the online application & 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
- Go to the City of Chesapeake's Department of Human Resources website known as "CLICK"
- Log in and search for the job posting for "Police Officer Trainee".
- New Users must make a profile then apply for the Police Officer Trainee position.
- When your application is submitted successfully you will receive an automated confirmation email with a confirmation number. Immediately move on to complete step 2.
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If you need assistance filling out the online application or have any questions in regards to the online application process please call Human Resources at 757-382-6492.
Step 2:
SUBMIT PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS): Download, complete and submit within 14 calendar days!
Your PHS should be submitted after applying online and within 14 calendar days of submitting your online application.
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 18 & 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 Mon. or Fri. between 8AM-5PM OR Tue. - Thur. between 8AM-7PM 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! **NEW OPTION**
*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.
Select one of two ways to submit your Personal History Statement.
OPTION 1:
- CERTIFIED MAIL: Your PHS should be completed, notarized & mailed, via certified mail, within 14 calendar days of submitting your online application.
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Mailing Address:
ATTENTION: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
CHESAPEAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT
304 ALBEMARLE DRIVECHESAPEAKE, VA 23322
OPTION 2:
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Hand Deliver: Your PHS should be completed, notarized & hand delivered within 14 calendar days of submitting your online application.- Hand deliver your PHS directly to the Chesapeake Public Safety Building (Chesapeake Police Headquarters) located at 304 Albemarle Drive; Chesapeake, VA 23322. This option is available 24/7/365 including holidays via secure drop box inside lobby.
Include color copies of the following documents with your PHS or submit the color copies on the date of your PAT:
- VA DCJS Basic Law Enforcement Certification (Police Officer VA Experienced Officer applicants)
- Law Enforcement Training Records (Police Officer VA Experienced Officers applicants)
- Valid Driver's License
- Vehicle Registration Card
- Proof of Automobile Insurance
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate
- High School Diploma/Transcripts or G.E.D. Certificate
- Full Credit Reports from all 3 reporting agencies
- College Degree or Transcripts (if applicable)
- Military DD-214 (if applicable)
- Naturalization Form (if applicable)
Step 3:
Background Investigations Unit reviews personal history statement to confirm eligibility.
- If your PHS passes the initial review, you will be invited via email to complete the Physical Ability Test (PAT). The invitation will come from eventbrite.com and you will be required to select and register online for the date that you will complete the Physical Ability Test. PAT's are typically held on various Saturday mornings.
Step 4:
**We offer FREE Physical Fitness Coaching Sessions- Learn more and register here.**
Complete Physical Ability Testing.
- Physical ability course: (Police Officer Trainee and Police Officer (VA Experienced Officers) must pass this testing.)
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The test will consist of a timed 150-yard course that will measure stamina and cardiovascular fitness in the completion of 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.
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Applicants may practice the PAT course 5ft high wall before their scheduled test date -if needed. Select a date/time here: 5ft Wall Practice Calendar
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- Physical Performance Test: (Police Officer Trainee applicants must complete this testing)
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After you successfully pass the Physical Ability Course, you will then be required to complete the Physical Performance Test, on the same day, which consists of:
(M=Male / F=Female)
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V-Sit & Reach M 19 / F 22 centimeters or more.
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300 Meter Sprint M 1:23 / F 1:50 minutes or less.
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Sit Ups M 30 /F 19 or more in 60 seconds.
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Push Ups M 25 / F 8 or more (no time limit).
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1.5 Mile Run M 15:28 / F 18:36 minutes or less
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**Click here to view physical ability testing instructions, pictures, and video**
Applicants who are unable to successfully complete the Physical Ability Course on their initial attempt will be permitted to retest on that same day. Applicants must complete all testing on their initial test date to continue in our hiring process.
Phases of the Hiring Process:
Our Basic Law Enforcement Academy Sessions tentatively start: On the first Monday in March & the first Monday in October of each year.*
Phase 1
- Submit online application on Jobs.cityofchesapeake.net
- Submit Personal History Statement (PHS) to Background Investigations Unit via certified mail or hand delivery to the Chesapeake Public Safety Building (Chesapeake Police Headquarters)
- PHS is reviewed by Background Investigations Unit to confirm eligibility. If you are not eligible for further consideration, you will be notified by phone and/or email.
- Physical Ability Test (PAT) -All eligible applicants will receive an invitation, via email, to successfully complete the PAT at the Chesapeake Law Enforcement Training Center (CLETA)
- 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
- Formal Panel Interview & Personal Interview with Police Command Staff
- Applicant photographed & fingerprinted at CPD Headquarters on same day
- Chief's Selection -the Chief of Police will select which eligible applicants will receive further consideration for hire. -Applicants are not present.
Phase 3
- Conditional Offer Of Employment presented to those selected applicants. -If you are not selected for further consideration, you will receive notification by email.
- Polygraph Exam
- Drug/Alcohol Screening
- Psychological/Mental Health Evaluation
- MMPI -2RF Written Test
- Video Interview with Psychologist at Police Department.
- Fit for Duty Exam/Physical Evaluation
- Payroll Meeting
- Academy Start Date- New Employee Orientation
For more information:
- Click here for: CPD Recruiting FAQ's
- Contact our Master Police Recruiter, Officer D. R. Foster:
- Call/Text: 757-647-8458
- E-mail: CPDrecruiting@cityofchesapeake.net
- Follow Us on Facebook: @ChesapeakeVAPolice
- Follow Us on LinkedIn: @ChesapeakePoliceDepartment
- Contact our Background Investigations Unit Supervisor:
- Schedule a virtual or phone meeting with our Master Police Recruiter: View availability calendar!
Are Y0U Professional Enough & Do Y0U Care Enough?
Serve "The City that Cares." Join the Chesapeake Police Department!
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