Police Apprentice

Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is looking for individuals to join our team to provide law enforcement and public safety services to the community in Fairfax County.

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, first aid, 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 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 17 to 20 TO APPLY.

Illustrative Duties

(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.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• 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.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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.

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

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUREMENTS:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien eligible for U.S. citizenship by age 21.
• 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.
• The incumbent must be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products both on and off duty.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Subsequent to a conditional job offer, applicants must complete a comprehensive medical examination, including drug testing and a vision standard not worse than 20/200, provided there have been at least three months of success wearing soft contact lenses. Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case basis).

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Successful completion of all background requirements and final interview with the Personnel Resources Division Commander or his designee.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Please note: Please review your supplemental questionnaire responses for completeness and accuracy prior to submission, as they are subject to verification. Do not assume that negative information in your background (e.g., employment, criminal) will result in your disqualification. However, intentionally providing false or incomplete information may be a basis for disqualification.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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