Recruitment

The Citizens Police Academy is an eleven-week (that includes graduation) program designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Richmond Police Department. Each session consists of eleven consecutive Monday night classes conducted at various police facilities in the county depending on the type of training being conducted. The instruction is comprehensive and each week separate areas of law enforcement are covered. Each class usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. Certified police officers, supervisors, and civilian instructors with particular expertise will conduct each topic. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a ride-along program.

Minimum Officer Requirements

• Good driving, police, and employment record
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must have a valid driver's license
• No convictions for a felony or domestic violence offense
• There are no specific height or weight requirements; candidates must pass a physical agility test

Tattoo & Body Art Policy

*Currently Under Review*

Body art is defined as procedures used to alter the body's appearance, such as branding, body piercing (other than the earlobe for earrings), scarification, or tattoos.

In order to present a positive and professional image to the community, body art on the hands, neck, face, or any part of the head is prohibited. Members are prohibited from having visible body art, excluding tattoos, on any part of the body, while in uniform, or while performing an official duty in non-uniformed attire, unless otherwise approved by the Chief of Police. This includes secondary employment in an official capacity.

Sleeve tattoos are likewise prohibited. A sleeve tattoo is a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos, that covers, or almost covers, a member's entire arm or leg. Half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoos that are visible to the eye, while in uniform or while performing official duty in non-uniformed attire, are likewise prohibited. A half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoo is defined as a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos that covers, or almost covers, the entire portion of an arm or leg above or below the elbow or knee.

Tattoos that are sexist, racist, vulgar, anti-social, gang-related, extremist group-related or may bring discredit upon the Richmond Police Department are prohibited. Whether a tattoo's content is deemed appropriate or inappropriate is at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

Prohibited body art will be concealed while on-duty, via one of the following methods:

• Conceal the body art with a black or blue covering
• Cover the body art with approved clothing/uniform (long shirt year-round)
• Cover the body art with a patch, elastic bandage, or other material that is similar in color to the member's skin tone
• Have the body art removed at the member's expense

Benefits

• Fitness: The police and fire department has a fully equipped fitness facility available 24 hours, 7 days a week.Salary: $43,909 ($47,908 upon completion of basic training academy).
• Insurance Program: The following insurance coverage is provided at little or no cost to employees:
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Worker's compensation
• Lateral Transfers: $51,778 (includes KLEFPF Fund)
  • Minimum 3 years prior experience
• Paid Time Off: Earn 15 vacation days, 12 holidays, and 1 personal day per year.
• Retirement: Employees join County Employee Retirement System.
• Sick Leave: Accumulate one day per month to 120 days max.
• Uniforms: All uniform items, including body armor, are provided.

Testing Process

• Applicant background interview
• Drug Screen
• In-depth background investigation
• Medical physical
• Oral interview
• Physical agility test (D.O.C.J.T.)
• Polygraph
• Suitability Screener
• Written exam (general police aptitude and comprehensive writing skills)

Contact Us

For more information or questions, email Recruitment. Fill out the Recruitment Form.