Careers

Service. Integrity. Community. Be the difference! Learn how you can join our team of dedicated sworn personnel.

Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 21 years or older and:

  • Possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
  • Have no criminal history
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent, college preferred
  • Be in excellent physical condition and a non-smoker
  • Accept responsibility and have high ethical standards
  • Live or be willing to move within a 50 mile radius of Winchester

Applicants shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, or political affiliation. The Age Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination of individuals who are at least 40 but less than 70 years of age.

For more information, please fill out our online recruitment card. 

Brochure

Be the Difference Brochure

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary for Police Officer I is $48,776.00. The starting salary for Virginia Certified Officers is commensurate with experience.  

Virginia Certified Officers are eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus upon hire.

Winchester Police officers are eligible for an excellent benefits package that includes:  

  • Health, dental, vision, and cancer insurances
  • Prepaid legal insurance
  • Retirement and life insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • College tuition assistance

  • All equipment furnished including shoe allowance

Paid time off is accrued at various rates depending on tenure. The City also observes 14 paid holidays. Check out the City of Winchester's Benefits Guide(PDF, 3MB) for more.

Hiring Process

We want to see you succeed in your goal of becoming a Winchester Police Officer.

Click through the tabs to see the hiring process that all applicants must complete to be considered for employment. An applicant can be terminated during any stage of this process.

The entire application process may take several months to finalize. As you complete each phase, you will receive notification advising you of your status and the requirements of the next process. If you have any questions concerning these procedures, please contact our administrative office for assistance.

Application & Testing

Step 1.Application

When positions are available, you'll find the application links at the Jobs tab on the City of Winchester's website.

At the end of your application, you can attach additional files like your résumé, cover letter, reference list, and copies of your licenses or certifications.

Once your online application has been successfully submitted, you'll immediately receive a confirmation message. Your application will be forwarded to the Police Department when the posting closes. Incomplete applications or those that are received after the closing date will not be forwarded to the Police Department.

Step 2.Testing

If you are chosen to participate in the written and physical assessments, you'll be asked to attend a scheduled testing date. Be on time. Please dress in athletic attire.

  1. Written Examination: The written examination is conducted through the National Testing Network.
  2. Physical Fitness Assessment: The requirements for the physical fitness assessment is to complete the obstacle course in under 3:00 while wearing a weighted vest. The Physical Fitness Assessment consists of:
    • Flexibility (passing a dumbbell around your torso)
    • Run 250 meters
    • Three (3) two-foot hurdles
    • Dummy drag
    • Serpentine
    • Battle ropes

Interview & Background

Step 1.Oral Interview

An interview date and time will be scheduled depending on availability of personnel. After the oral interview a list will be prepared of those applicants that will move onto the polygraph phase.

Step 2.Polygraph

The applicant will be contacted by a Polygraph Examiner to arrange a date and time for the polygraph. After the polygraph the results will be evaluated and a decision will be made if the applicant will continue to the next step in the process.

Step 3.Background

This process can take up to four weeks and longer depending on the number of applicants.

After the background is complete a report will be submitted to the Deputy Chief. The file will then be forwarded to the Chief of Police.

The Chief of Police will then review the information that has been provided and make a recommendation to hire or not to hire and forward the file to the City Administration department for review.

Evaluations

Step 1.Psychological Evaluation

Applicants will be required to undergo a psychological evaluation.

Step 2.Medical Examination / Drug Screening

The applicant will have to submit to a medical examination and a drug screening. The applicant will also be required to pass a color blind and a vision test.

Contact

Corporal Justin Meredith
540-545-4707
Email

Back to top