Employment

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 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.

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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 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.
• 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.

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Salaries & Benefits

Starting Salaries:

• $47,000* (while attending the Chesapeake Law Enforcement Training Academy)
• Upon successful completion of the approximately 6-month Chesapeake Law Enforcement Training Academy:
• $51,500* for possessing a High School Diploma or GED
• $600*  yearly stipend for possessing an Associate's Degree OR
• $1,000* yearly stipend for possessing a Bachelor's Degree

*Note: These are 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 and 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

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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.

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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! 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 and then apply for a Police Officer 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.

• 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 but no later than 5 days past the application closing date. 

• 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 or Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Tuesday through Thursday. between 8 a.m. to 7 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! 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.

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 PHS dropbox inside the lobby.

Option 2

• Certified Mail: 

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

Required Documents

Submit color copies of the following documents on the date of your PAT:

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

Step 3

Background Investigations Unit reviews personal history statements 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. PATs are typically held on various Saturday mornings.

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Step 4

Complete Physical Ability Testing.

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

   • 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. You must pass this test within two (2) attempts. 

   • 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, on the same day, which consists of:

  1. V-Sit and Reach        Male 19 / Female 22 centimeters or more.

  2. 300 Meter Sprint       Male 1:23 / Female 1:50 minutes or less.

  3. Sit Ups                      Male 30 / Female 19 or more in 60 seconds.

  4. Push Ups                  Male 25 / Female 8 or more (no time limit).

  5. 1.5 Mile Run             Male 15:28 / Female 18:36 minutes or less

*Police Officer Trainee applicants must PASS the Police Obstacle Course (within 2 attempts) and then PASS the Police Fitness Test. 

Applicants may be permitted to schedule up to three (3) retests during the same hiring process. 

Are you physically prepared?

• Practice our PAT Course 5ft High Wall, if needed.  Use this link to reserve a specific time to practice the PAT Course 5ft High Wall, if needed, and we will work on having an officer scheduled to assist you View Dates

• 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 PAT Course 5ft High wall during the session: View Dates

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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.  Virginia Experienced Police Officers and Out-of-State Police Officer hire dates to 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. The 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.
4. Physical Ability Test (PAT) - All eligible applicants are registered for the PAT at the Chesapeake Law Enforcement Training Center (CLETA)
5. 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. Drug/Alcohol Screening
3. Psychological / Mental Health Evaluation
   • MMPI - 2RF Written Test
   • Video Interview with Psychologist at Police Department.
4. Fit for Duty Exam / Physical Evaluation
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.

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For more information:

1. View the CPD Recruiting FAQs (PDF)
2. Contact our Master Police Recruiter, Officer Duprée Foster:
   • Call or Text: 757-647-8458
   • Email CPDrecruiting@cityofchesapeake.net
3. Follow Us on Facebook
4. Follow Us on LinkedIn
5. Email the Background Investigations Unit Supervisor
6. Schedule a virtual or phone meeting with our Master Police Recruiter: View the availability calendar!

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