Police Apprentice

About the Department

The FCPD is comprised of employees and volunteers who possess the highest standards of ethics and integrity which creates the foundation of our ability to deliver a variety of essential police services to protect and serve all members of our community. Our department provides ethical leadership by engagement with the community to prevent and fight crime, improve the culture of safety at work and in the community, which preserves the sanctity of all human life, and keeps pace with urbanization.

Fairfax County possesses a stellar reputation nationally as the safest jurisdiction of our size among the top fifty major cities. We accomplish this through robust partnerships with all members of our uniquely diverse community.

The Police Apprentice under close supervision, receives on-the-job training in basic law enforcement skills, traffic control, crime prevention, communications, crime scene search, arrest procedures and criminal investigation. Receives training in basic tools of criminology, fingerprinting, photography, and various communication systems. Assigned to public service positions answering telephones, responding to information requests, and performing general clerical work as required. Performs stock clerk duties issuing and receiving supplies.

Applicant must have graduated high school or been awarded their general education diploma (GED) at the time of selection. Highly qualified applicants will receive further processing that will include polygraph examination; medical exam; psychological exam; physical ability test; background interview; comprehensive background investigation and final selection interview.

Applicants for this position must be between the ages of 17½ to 20 to apply.
IF YOU ARE OLDER THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE, YOU MAY APPLY FOR THE POLICE OFFICER POSITION. (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Participates in on-the-job training in the areas of traffic control, investigations, crime prevention, communications, first aid and crime scene investigation procedures;
• Takes courses in how to take fingerprints and process film;
• Participates in emergency vehicle operations training and firearm familiarization courses;
• Assists in inventory control as well as receiving/issuing supplies;
• Assists in inventorying and handling seized and stolen property, which will be used as evidence in court;
• Performs various administrative functions.

• Ability to comprehend the fundamentals of law enforcement;
• Ability to acquire a knowledge of State laws and County codes and ordinances;
• Ability to learn to write accurate, concise reports;
• Ability to use motor vehicles and firearms;
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with fellow employees and the public;
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions;
• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical standards;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and be truthful at all times.

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to:
High school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education certified by the Virginia State Department of Education.

Professional working proficiency, or higher, in a foreign language or American sign Language.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien eligible for U.S. citizenship by age li>
• Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, polygraph examination and be able to meet the public safety/police officer medical standards.
• Must, within 6 months of reaching age 21, meet all eligibility requirements for Police Officer I and be selected for employment as a police officer;
• Incumbents shall not use any tobacco products on and off duty starting at the time of appointment.

Subsequent to a conditional job offer, applicants must complete a comprehensive medical examination, including drug testing and a vision standard not worse…