As the most diverse county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the 10th most diverse county in the United States, we are committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce that is reflective of our community.

The selection process takes approximately three to four months after the initial Police Officer application has been received. Applicants must successfully complete the following phases:

• Online application submission
• Personal history statement (PHS)
• Conditional offer of employment
• Pre-screen interview
• Physical fitness assessment
• Polygraph examination
• Background interview and investigation
• Medical and physical examinations
• Psychological examination
• Police ride-a-long
• Interview with the Chief of Police or designee
• Final approval by the Chief of Police

The selection process for our professional staff positions takes approximately two to four months, and includes some, but not all of the phases listed above.

Application Process

We use an online application — rather than a resume — in our employment process for both sworn and professional staff positions. Apply online.

Eligibility Criteria Guidelines for Selection of Police Department Applicants

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. citizen
• 21 years old upon completion of academy
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license

Minimum guidelines for police officers referenced in VA Code § 15.2-1705

• Applicants must not intentionally conceal, omit, or intentionally provide false or misleading information related to information sought during any phase of the applicant process.
• Applicants are not required to reveal expunged arrest records, and such cannot be used to disqualify.
• Must not have been convicted of or have pleaded guilty or no contest to any of the following:
  • A felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in Virginia.
  • A misdemeanor crime of a serious nature or a crime that indicates a tendency to disregard the law.
  • Any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to, petit larceny.
  • Any misdemeanor sex offense including but not limited to sexual battery or consensual sexual intercourse with a minor 15 or older.
  • Domestic assault.
• Must not have committed any undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature.
• Must not have any arrest or pattern of arrests that will degrade public confidence in the department.

Employment Drug Policy

The Prince William County Police Department maintains the following standards from date of application:

• No Marijuana use from the date of application, regardless of location of use (includes states/countries where usage may be legal.)

Illegal Drugs (drugs never prescribed for any legitimate medical purpose):

• No use within three (3) years preceding the date of application.
• Must not have sold, distributed, or manufactured any illegal drug or controlled substance without legal authorization.

Prescription Drugs/Legally Obtained Substances:

• No non-prescribed/unauthorized use from the date of application, including, Adderall, Xanax, etc.
• Must not have sold, distributed, or manufactured any prescription drug without legal authorization.

Anabolic Steroids:

• No non-prescribed/unauthorized use from the date of application.
• Must not have sold, distributed, or manufactured any prescription drugs without legal authorization.

Traffic Offenses

• Must not have more than six (6) negative points against the applicant’s driver’s license at the time of hire.
• Must not possess a driving record that reflects irresponsible driving behavior.
• Must not have a conviction for DUI or a DUI-related conviction within
  two (2) years preceding the date of application.
• Must not have a conviction for being Intoxicated in Public (IIP) or an IIP-related conviction, or be ordered by a judge to obtain counseling for an alcohol related issue within one (1) year preceding the date of application.

Character 

• Must be of sound character as measured by qualities such as loyalty, responsibility, ability to function under stress, control of anger, maturity, and honesty.
• Abnormal traits of flaws in character will be identified based on psychological testing, polygraph testing and background investigation.
• Applicants must not demonstrate a history of immoral or biased behavior on-line or with social media.
• Must meet established medical, psychological, and physical requirements.

Applicant Physical Fitness Assessment Elements