Winchester Police

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A valid driver’s license and safe driving record
• No criminal history
• High school diploma or the equivalent (college degree preferred)
• Be age 21 or older and in excellent physical condition
• Be a non-smoker
• Be able to accept responsibility and have high ethical standards
• Live or be willing to move within a 50 mile radius of Winchester
• Be a U.S. citizen.

 

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, fill out our online recruitment card! For recruitment questions, please contact:

Captain Sharee Karlinsey
Winchester Police Department
sharee.karlinsey@winchesterva.gov
(540) 545-4719

Brochure 

 

Salary and Benefits

As of 1/1/2023, the starting salary for Police Officer I is $48,776.00.  For current Virginia Certified Officers, starting salary is commensurate with experience.  

 

Our excellent benefits packages include health, dental, vision, cancer, and pre-paid legal insurances; retirement and life insurance; sick, vacation, and holiday leave; plus college tuition assistance. All equipment is furnished including a shoe allowance. 

Hiring Process

We want to see you succeed in your goal of being selected as a member of our department. Below are the steps in the hiring process that an applicant must complete to be considered for employment with the Winchester Police Department. 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 question concerning these procedures, contact our administrative office for assistance.

 

STEP 1: APPLICATION

 

You will have to connect to and use the City of Winchester online application process. At the end of your application, you can attach additional files to your application, such as a résumé, cover letter, reference list, copies of your licenses or certifications.

 

Once your online application has been successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation message immediately on your computer screen. Your application will be forwarded to the Police Department when the posting closes. Applications that are received after the closing date, or that are not complete, will not be forwarded to the Police Department.

STEP 2: TESTING

 

If you are chosen to participate in the written and physical assessments, the police applicant will arrive on their scheduled testing date and be on time. Please be dressed in weather appropriate running/jogging attire.

 

 

STEP 3: 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 4: 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 5: BACKGROUND

 

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

 

After the background check 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 review the information that has been provided and make a recommendation to hire (or not) and forward the file to City administration for review.

 

STEP 6: PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

 

Applicants will be required to undergo a psychological evaluation.

 

STEP 7: 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 blindness and vision test.

 

STEP 8: HIRE OF POLICE OFFICER

 

You will be contacted by the hiring manager with an offer and further information. 

Contact