Benefits and Salary

Starting salary is $63,360.00

• With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. The City offers a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package to include the following:
• Competitive salary, starting at $63,360 for a Police Recruit, upon successful completion of graduation, salary will be $65,918
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Promotional and educational opportunities
• Retirement after 20 years of service and 50 years old
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Vacation, Sick, Civil and Military Leave
• Paid Parental Leave (bonding up to 320 hours; parent with a serious health condition up to 160 hours)
• 17 Paid Holidays
• Prepaid Legal Program (optional)
• Aflac Plans (optional)
• Credit Union Membership
• College Tuition Reimbursement

Hiring Process

It is the policy of the Richmond Police Department to screen, hire and select the most qualified candidates for the position of Police Recruit. The Department utilizes a stringent process that is uncompromising on ethics, professionalism, and excellence.

Police Recruit Hiring Process

Physical Agility Test

The fitness test consists of the following:

	Candidate starts from a seated position and given a physical description of a suspect.
	Candidate runs 25 yards.
	Candidate jumps a simulated 3 foot section.
	Candidate runs 25 yards.
	Candidate climbs over a 5 foot wall.
	Candidate runs 10 yards.
	Candidate low crawls under a 10 foot section.
	Candidate runs 25 yards.
	Candidate performs 12 “step up/down” reps.
	Candidate runs 15 yards.
	Candidate crawls through a simulated window.
	Candidate runs 10 yards.
	Candidate identifies suspect based on previous description.
	Candidate runs 15 yards.
	Candidate drags victim 5 yards.
	Candidate runs 20 yards.
	Candidate places the barrel of the training aid weapon into a 6” circle and actions the trigger once from each hand.
	Candidate must place the handgun on the table to stop the clock.

Sample Written Test

Sample Written Test

Application & Forms

Upon submission of an application, you will be required to complete a pre-screening form as well as a background questionnaire. The background packet can be notarized at the police department. Applicants with Spanish speaking skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Upon determination that your application meets the minimum requirements for the Police Recruit position, you will be notified of the time, date, and location of the police entrance examination and fitness test. All notifications will be done electronically.

The police entrance examination is an entry-level law enforcement multiple-choice test. You will be tested on Basic Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, Grammar Punctuation and Spelling, as well as Report Writing.

Forms and Information

• Background Pre-screening Form
• Background Questionnaire
• Practice Police Recruit Entrance Exam
• Practice Police Recruit Entrance Exam Answers

Complete an application here.

Testing Location and Address

Richmond Police Training Academy
1202 W. Graham Road
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 646-6117

Police Recruit FAQs

I have submitted an application online. When will I be contacted?

This may vary depending on the number of current vacancies and the date of the next scheduled police academy. Applicants are kept abreast of their hiring status through regular updates to their online application account. Please check your email regularly to check your status. Also be sure to check your spam folder as well.

I have scheduled a date for testing, but I can no longer attend on that date. Do I have options?

Yes, you may reschedule for the next available testing date. Please contact Police Personnel at 804-646-6733 to reschedule. If you fail to attend a scheduled testing without notification to Police Personnel, your application will no longer be considered active.

How long does testing take?

This will vary depending on the number of applicants who are testing on that particular date. However, expect to be at the testing facility for approximately 4-6 hours.

I have completed testing. What happens next?

If you passed all phases of testing, your application will be assigned to a Background Investigator. This is a sworn Detective within the Police Personnel Division. You will be contacted to schedule a background interview within two weeks of your testing date.

How long does the background investigation take?

The background investigation process is very extensive. Information is obtained from multiple sources; including all former/current employers, personal references, credit reporting bureaus, civil / criminal court systems, military agencies and other sources in an effort to determine a candidate’s suitability for the position. The average background will take approximately 3 months dependent upon the timeliness of the information being submitted.

I passed the background investigation and was not hired for the next Academy Class. What is the status of my application?

Your application will remain active, and you will be considered for the next Academy class. However, once a year lapses we require you pass another fitness test and polygraph examination to be eligible for hire.

If I am not hired and am no longer under consideration, does the Richmond Police Department notify me?

Yes. You will receive a written correspondence through the mail informing you of our decision.

If I have any questions during the process, who do I contact?

Please check your application account status online first. Once your application has been assigned to a Background Investigator, that Detective will remain your point of contact. For all other inquiries, please contact the Police Personnel Division at: 804-646-6733.

EEO Policy: “The Richmond City Police Department is fully committed to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees, without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other characteristic prohibited by law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.”