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Employment Opportunities

The Ashland Police Department continuously accepts applications which will remain on file for a period of one year should a vacancy become available.

The Ashland Police Department is comprised of men and women highly motivated to provide quality law enforcement services to its citizens, businesses and visitors. We pride ourselves in partnering with the community in a unified effort to combat crime and keep our streets safe.

            If you believe in public service...
                  If you believe in community policing...
                        If you want a challenging, yet rewarding career...
                              If you want to make a difference...

Then look no further. Join the APD family and become a member of a professional and CALEA - Internationally Accredited agency. Applications are accepted on a continual basis for the position of Police Officer. We also offer a lateral entry2008 Promotion Cermoney program. Applicants will be notified in writing of any job openings and any related selection processes. Applicants are also encouraged to routinely check the website for any job postings.

Duties
A Police Officers duties include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Responding to calls for service
  • Investigating crimes
  • Conducting proactive patrols
  • Enforcing criminal and traffic codes
  • Testifying in court
  • Completing various forms of paperwork
A complete job description is available at the Police Department
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid Virginia operator's license, US Citizen, and be a high school graduate or possess a GED.

Disqualifiers
Anyone who meets the following criteria is ineligable:
  • Any felony or serious misdemeanor convictions, or any other criminal activity that indicates a tendency  to disregard the law or reflects moral turpitude or any other behavior that would bring discredit to the Ashland Police Department.
  • Marijuana use within the past two years.
  • Use of any illegal substances, such as cocaine, heroin, LSD, Anabolic Steroids, etc…
  • Any alcohol or drug related driving convictions, such as DUI.
  • Conviction of domestic assault.
  • Color blindness
  • The possession of a valid Virginia operator’s license will be required of all applicants at time of employment.
    • Those persons possessing a valid operator’s license from another state are required to obtain a valid Virginia operator’s license prior to employment.
    • A currently revoked or suspended operator’s license will disqualify an applicant from further consideration.
    • If an applicant’s operator’s license has been revoked or suspended in the past, the following factors will be considered to determine eligibility:
      • Circumstances surrounding the revocation or suspension.
      • Length of time since the revocation or suspension.
    • A history of flagrant driving offenses (i.e. reckless driving, hit & run, failure to stop for police officer, or numerous speeding offenses) will be cause for applicant disqualification.
  • The applicant should have a sound financial background.
  • Commission of undetected crimes that are recent, serious, or repetitive in nature.
  • Failure to accurately report information or lack of completeness in filling out the Personal History Statement (this may be considered an attempt to deceive or an act of dishonesty).
Hiring Process
To be eligable for the lateral entry position, you must be a certified police officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The process includes the following: panel interview, psychological evaluation, background investigation, polygraph examination, medical exam, and a drug screening. A list will be compiled at the completion of the process from which candidates will be contacted for future employment opportunities.

Police Officer (Recruit)
The process includes the following: written test, agility test, psychological test, thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and a medical exam - including a drug screening.

The duration of the selection process is approximately 12 weeks from the first step to the final appointment.

Salary
Non-Certified applicants upon successful employment will be hired as a recruit with an annual salary of $37,890.

Upon completion of the academy and field training, they will be adjusted to the “Officer” grade upon their one-year anniversary with the town.

The salary range is $39,784 - $58,779. Salary may be negotiable for lateral entry applicants.

Benefits
Here are just some of the outstanding benefits associated with the Police Officer position:
  • Healthcare
    • Employee only premiums completely covered by the Town of Ashland.
  • Retirement - Virginia Retirement System
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Flexible Spending Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Wellness/Fitness Bonus
  • Educational Benefits
  • Shift Differential
  • Merit Increases
  • Take home Vehicle Program
  • 12 Holidays per Year
  • Career Development
The Ashland Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Informational inquiries may be made to the Ashland Police Department at (804) 412-0604 or Lieutenant Shelhorse.

You can download an application by clicking here.