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Job description
Police Recruit Testing & Employment Opportunities
The Harrisonburg Police Department has combined the testing registration and employment opportunities into one advertisement. Candidates who are not currently Certified Officers and are interested in becoming a Police Officer with the HPD must apply to this posting. Candidates will not be considered for vacant Police Officer opportunities if they do not apply to this posting.
The Police Recruit position has a preferred hiring rate of $23.57 per hour (equivalent to $49,025.60 annually). An exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.
The City of Harrisonburg will be offering Police Recruit testing at various times through the remainder of 2026 for the January 2027 Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Additional details, including upcoming testing dates, will be provided to applicants once their submission is reviewed by Human Resources and HPD.
Minimum Requirements for Police Recruit:
High School Diploma or GED. College Degree or Military Experience, preferred.
21 years of age by completion of basic law enforcement academy.
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien with an application for Naturalization filed and pending with Immigration Services, if DCJS-approved.
Valid driver's license with acceptable record per City policy.
Able to work 12-hour shifts (6am - 6pm or 6pm - 6am), including nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.
Ability to perform the physical requirements for this position.
Must live or be willing to move within a one (1) hour drive of Harrisonburg, VA.
Registration Process:
Registration is required for testing and can be completed online by selecting "apply" in the upper right corner of this posting on the City's website. All registration applications must be received through the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department's online application system no later than 5:00pm EST on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The online application system will automatically end registration at the indicated deadline, even if applicants are in the middle of the registration process. Late registrations will not be accepted.
There are two additional documents (the Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information) required for consideration. Once you submit your complete online employment application and it has been pre-screened by Human Resources for minimum qualifications, you will receive an email with the Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information Form along with further instructions. These documents must be received in Human Resources no later than 5:00pm EST on Monday, October 5, 2026.
After your completed Personal History Statement and Authorization to Release Information Form have been received and reviewed by Human Resources and the HPD Professional Standards Unit, you will receive an email requesting your attendance at an upcoming testing date if you pass the screening at this step. Please monitor the email address used to apply as that will be the email address your invitation is sent.
The following provides information related to the testing processes:
Written Test:
The written test will be given at the City of Harrisonburg Police Department at 101 N. Main Street in Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
Check-in for testing begins at 0800 hours EST.
Please bring a valid picture ID for proper identification (Ex: Driver's License, passport, etc.).
The testing will begin promptly at 0830 hours EST.
It will take approximately 2 hours to complete.
No one will be admitted to the test after the starting time.
Physical Ability Test:
The test will be given on the same day as the written test and will be held at the Harrisonburg Police Department's Harper Presgraves Training Grounds. Directions to this location will be provided on the day of testing.
After completing the written test, candidates will proceed immediately to the physical abilities test.
To participate in the testing, you must complete the electronic Waiver of Claim for Injury, which is supplemental question #7 on your online registration.
Interview:
Applicants who complete the written test and pass the physical abilities test may be invited to immediately interview on their testing date.
If selected for a same-day interview, applicants are not required or expected to change attire. The same clothing worn to the written test and physical ability test is acceptable for the same-day interview.
To be eligible for an open position with the Harrisonburg Police Department, you must complete the written test and pass the physical abilities test. Upon successful completion of the testing, you will be eligible for consideration in this particular recruitment process.
The selected candidates for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:
DMV Driving Record Review;
Drug Screen;
Criminal Background Investigation, including Social Media Review & Fingerprinting;
Credit Check;
Personal History Statement;
Written Examination;
Physical Abilities Test;
Job-Specific Physical;
Psychological Evaluation; and
Polygraph.
The following documents are some examples of what will be required at a later phase in the process: Social Security Card, Driver's License, Passport, Birth Certificate, Marriage/Divorce Documents, DD214, Sealed College Transcripts, and High School Diploma. These documents are not required at the time of the Personal History Statement submission. When the applicable documents are requested by the Harrisonburg Police Department, you will be expected to provide them.
If you have questions after reviewing this information, please contact the Human Resources Department at or Applicants who require reasonable accommodations during the application or testing process should contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the recruitment process. Veterans and minorities are encouraged to register and apply. The City provides an excellent benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, retirement (VRS with Enhanced Hazardous Duty Benefits & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave (including upfront sick leave) and 15.5 holidays. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Worksite address
harrisonburg, VA, 22802, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.