Application Process
All candidates for the position of Police Officer with the City of Harrisonburg must first submit a completed Application, Personal History Statement, Authorization for Release of Information Form, and all required supporting data to the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department, 345 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801.
Click here for applications and forms.
(Close Human Resources page to return to Police)
The City of Harrisonburg may test as needed for the position of police officer. The testing will be open to applicants who have submitted the completed application, personal history statement, authorization for release of information form, and all required supporting data. This testing process will include steps listed below.
Minimum Employment Standards
Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of their appointment to an officer position.
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of the equivalent education obtained from other qualified sources. In other cases, the decision of the Virginia State Board of Education is acceptable.
Upon provision of reasonable accommodation, must be able to meet the physical standards of the job
Driver's license: Applicant must possess or be able to obtain a valid Virginia driver's license. Applicant must also have a good driving record.
Citizenship: Must provide proof of United States citizenship.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following steps. An applicant may be removed from further consideration after any step.
Screening for Eligibility
Educational Proficiency Test
Physical Fitness and Weapons Agility Test
Polygraph
Background Investigation
Panel Interview
Physical Examination and Drug Screening
Psychological Examination
Interview with the Chief of Police
Applicants must pass each step in order to move on to the next step. Failure to pass any step automatically disqualifies the applicant from further consideration.
Those most Highly Qualified candidates that are not hired at this time will be placed on a waiting list for a period of one year and hired as openings become available. If openings do not become available within one year, the process will start over with new testing.
Condition of Employment
Work Schedule: The typical workday consists of a twelve (12) hour shift. These shifts run from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Within each fourteen (14) day period, the officer will work 84 hour days. The work schedule is on a rotating tour basis and is subject to change at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
Uniforms and Equipment: All uniforms and equipment ($75.00 shoe allowance) will be furnished by the City of Harrisonburg.
Training: Training during the probationary period (1 year) is both on the job and at a training facility. Formal training at the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Training Center must be successfully completed or else the officer will be terminated. The probationary period of 12 months does not include time spent at the academy.
Salary and Benefits
Salary as of July 1, 2007, starting salary for a recruit (Police Officer I) is $31,428.80 per year. Upon completion of the Police Academy and applicable training period (approximately 6 months), advancement will be made to the Police Officer II level ($34,840.00 - $52,312.00).
Hiring of a Virginia Certified Officer will be:
1 to 3 years experience: signing bonus of $1,500
3 to 5 years experience: signing bonus of $2,500
5+ years experience: signing bonus of $5,000
Experienced officers from other states will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Vacation Leave: Vacation leave is accrued by all City employees at the following rates:
Years of Service / Hours Per Month
0 through 5 years -----------------------------------------8
5 years but less than 10 years ----------------------10
10 years but less than 15 years ---------------------12
15 years but less than 20 years ----------------------14
20 years or more --------------------------------------------16
Sick Leave: Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 10 hours per month, no matter how many years of service an employee has.
Other leave offered by the City includes: Military leave, civil leave, funeral leave, shared leave and family and medical leave.
Holidays: The City follows the State guidelines which typically provides a minimum of 12 holidays each year.
Health Insurance: The City provides a health insurance program. The City pays 70% of the monthly health insurance premium.
Retirement: All officers are enrolled in the State Law Enforcement Officers Retirement System (Part of the Virginia Retirement System) as a condition of employment. The City pays 100% of the cost of retirement.
Post Retirement Health Benefits: The City supplements the cost of health insurance for employees who retire with 15 or more years of service. The City pays $10.00 for every year of service up to $350.00 toward the health insurance premium.
Term Life Insurance: Term life insurance is provided by the Virginia Retirement System. The City pays 100% of the life insurance premium. Other Insurance: The City also provides employees with the following optional insurance plans: Additional life insurance, cancer insurance and accident insurance.
Other Benefits: The City provides employees with the opportunity to participate in the following employee benefits: Flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation, and Credit Union.
