NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk Police Department is hiring for both part-time and full-time jobs, including a new position that targets young adults who may be interested in one day becoming a cop.
NPD Master Police Officer Hardison explained, "like many departments, we need people. We want good people and reliable people, but we do need people to come out and apply and work for the department."
The next academy for recruits is coming up in December, but the department is also hiring already-certified officers, part-time civilian investigators and public safety aides, which is a newly created position.
"That is geared toward the younger age people who aspire to become police officers," Hardison said. "There’s a certain age requirement to become a police officer which is 20-and-a-half years old, but the police safety aide, that age requirement [is] 18."
The position will allow young people to get a feel for the job to test if they want to make it a career, with Hardison saying, "then when they do come of age at that 20-and-a-half years old, it will be a lot easier to become a recruit with us."
The starting salary for public safety aides is $44,785. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and a valid driver's license. They must also complete a physical agility test at the department's training facility.
Police recruit salaries start at $46,396, with the pay bumping to $53,942 when officers are certified. Master police officer salaries start at $59,621. Sign-on bonuses of $5,000 are also available.
Officer Hardison explained the department is looking for good communicators. "You want somebody who's going to be able to get along with other people," she said. "You come into contact with all different people from different walks of life. You have to not give up. You have to have heart."
NPD currently has 517 sworn staff members and is budgeted for 618 sworn positions overall. Open positions can be viewed at NPD's hiring website.