1. Home
  2. About
  3. Recruitment

Recruitment, Employment & Volunteering

Be a part of one of the nation’s premier campus law enforcement agencies at VCU Police. With 95 sworn officers, 25 civilian employees, and an on-campus dispatch center advancing an “all-out community policing” mission in the heart of Richmond, VCU Police offers exciting opportunities for law enforcement careers in a dynamic, urban setting.

VCU Police serves two campuses and a diverse population of more than 50,000 students, faculty and staff. The department has a large patrol division trained to patrol on bike, on foot or in vehicles, as well as community policing, investigations, traffic and education and training divisions.

Four V-C-U Police officers stand in front of a patrol vehicle on the university's Monroe Park Campus.

Four VCU Police officers stand in front of a patrol vehicle on the university's Monroe Park Campus.

HIRING

The VCU Police Department is currently hiring police recruits, pre-certified officers, dispatchers and civilian employees:

Hiring incentives are available for pre-certified police officers and pre-certified dispatchers.

VCUPD offers:

  • Police officer recruits earn a salary of $58,000; at the conclusion of field training they earn a salary of $61,000. 
  • $5,000 bonus for VCU students and VCU or VCU Health employees who complete the academy and field training.
  • Pre-certified police officers earn within a salary range of $61,000 to $65,000 and up to a $10,000 sign-on bonus.
  • There is a $5,000 sign-on bonus for dispatchers
  • Free college tuition for classes and degree programs (available immediately)
  • 4x10 scheduling for officers; 8-hour schedules (and accrued holiday time for full-time dispatchers)
  • Paid time off for full-time employees
  • Officer-level career development program
  • Certification in NCIC and DCJS - Basic Dispatch and a paid APCO membership for dispatchers
  • Opportunities for community outreach participation and projects
  • Excellent state benefits and retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

By working for VCU Police, you can continue your education for free while working toward 10-year Public Service Loan Forgiveness: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Applications, qualifications, requirements and benefits:

Please refer to each application below for a full list of qualifications, requirements and benefits. Applicants must apply online:

Questions? Email policerecruit@vcu.edu 

LEAP

The VCU Police Department has started a certified Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP).  Qualified applicants for police officer positions may be offered employment in this program during the selection process.  Applicants selected for this program would be given applicable training before assisting the Patrol Division with relevant assignments.  Full salary and benefits begin on the date of hire.

Volunteering

Volunteer opportunities are available and will give VCU students the chance to help others and be a part of the unity that exists in the VCU community. Volunteering will also provide you with first-hand experience if you’re interested in becoming a law enforcement officer for the VCU Police Department. 

For additional information on recruitment, the LEAP program, or volunteer opportunities, please email policerecruit@vcu.edu. 

 

Benefits

VCU Police officers receive competitive starting salaries and a generous package of state benefits, including a tuition benefit for officers wishing to pursue higher education. Benefits include:

  • Choice of health, dental, disability and life insurance plans offered through the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • University leave is provided for vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
  • Flexible scheduling for officers with military commitments
  • Free access to VCU Police Department gym facilities 24/7
  • Tuition benefit program for studies at VCU 
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
  • Participation in the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System, VaLORS Program (Plan 1 and Plan 2), and deferred compensation plans
  • Equipment, uniforms and cleaning of Class A uniforms are provided
  • Additional university benefits are described on VCU's Human Resources website

 

Qualifications, Selection Process & Timeline

Although individuals with minimum qualifications may apply, only those with the most suitable job-related experience, education and qualifications will continue in the selection process. Applicants should visit the VCU Professional Opportunities Page to apply for positions within VCU Police and to check on the latest status of their application.

 

Minimum qualifications for VCU Police officers include:

  • Ability to work in a high-stress environment with a diverse population
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Willingness to work shifts with varying days off, including possible work on nights, weekends, and/or holidays
  • At least 21 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
  • Possess a valid state driver's license and a good driving record
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • A credit history check and clean criminal record with no convictions for felonies, domestic violence or crimes of moral turpitude
  • Must pass a physical and mental health evaluation
  • Must pass a drug test, polygraph test, and written test

 

The selection process includes:

  • A full VCIN/NCIC/DMV records check
  • Pre-hire physical fitness assessment (including push-ups, sit ups and a 1.5 mile run) 
  • A written examination 
  • A preliminary interview  
  • A complete background packet including three letters of reference, a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, copies of school transcripts, a copy of a military DD-214 form (where applicable)
  • Citizenship check
  • Also included will be an oral review board, fingerprint-based CCRE/FBI check, psychological, and polygraph review.  Upon job offer, a full physical exam by a licensed physician and a drug screening will be completed. Final selections are made by the Chief of Police.

 

Academy Staff Contact Information

  • For questions about the VCU Police Academy, please email policerecruit@vcu.edu
  • Lieutenant Joel Abernathy, Education and Training, (804) 828-7072
  • Recruiter Conrad Simms, Education and Training, (804) 828-1225
  • Officer Jaelyn LaLonde, Education and Training, (804) 828-8696