Modified Police Academy.

The Henrico County Police Division is proud to accept lateral transfers to the team with early-hire opportunities available.

Currently, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and certified out-of-state officers can apply to join the Modified Police Academy. Officers who are VA-DCJS certified typically attend an eight-week academy; out-of-state is 12-weeks. If the academy has both VA-DCJS officers and out-of-state officers it will be a 12-week academy. The schedule is a typical 40-hour work-week, Monday through Friday. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but there will be some instruction that requires night hours. The vast majority of the classroom and physical training will take place at the Public Safety Building Training Center on E. Parham Road.

Over the course of the academy, officers will participate in classroom instruction lead primarily by our own officers who are DCJS instructor certified. Modified Academy participants will spend time learning topics such as Virginia law, Henrico County ordinances, Henrico Police Division policies and procedures, weapons handling, defensive tactics, and de-escalation techniques to name just a few. Officers are tested several times over the 8-12 week period on all topics covered.

Upon successful completion of the Modified Police Academy, the class will attend a graduation ceremony attended by family and friends as well members of the Division and County Government. Once graduation is complete the officer will begin Field Training. Field Training Officers (FTOs) are assigned while in the academy and modified officers are given the chance to meet with them to go over expectations. Field Training consists of 8-16 weeks of “on-the-job” training with a certified, veteran officer. The newly graduated modified officers will be tested daily on directives and law and must pass a Solo-Release Board in order to be recommended for release to solo-duty. Once that happens the officer will be assigned his/her own service area to patrol on their own as a Virginia DCJS certified police officer.

Group of Henrico County Police Officers in uniform and one in business attire.
Henrico Police Officer putting dress hat on in the reflection of her patrol vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What would be my starting salary? Your salary is negotiable based upon your previous law enforcement experience, training and education. You will be paid your full salary, with benefits, during the academy.
  2. Do my retirement benefits transfer over? Yes, if you are coming from a Virginia Retirement System (VRS) agency they will transfer over. However, law enforcement agencies may be eligible to purchase years back via VRS.
  3. What is the length of the Modified Police Academy? Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certified officers will take part in an eight (8) week academy. Out-of-state certified officers will take part in a 12-week academy.
  4. How many years of service are needed with an out-of-state certified law enforcement agency? You must have 36-months of continuous law enforcement experience commensurate with those of a Virginia law enforcement officer (i.e. respond to calls for service, take reports of crime, conduct traffic stops, issue summons, make arrests.) You have to have been out of law enforcement employment for less than 24 months. You must be in good standing with former employers and must meet all requirement of Virginia § 15.2-1705.
  5. Will I have to be exposed to OC spray or a Conducted Electrical Weapon (C.E.W.)? No, however exposure to a C.E.W. is optional.
  6. How long do I have to wait before I can transfer into a specialty unit? You can apply to transfer to a specialty unit (if there are vacancies) 12-months after being released to solo duty.
  7. How long do I have to wait before I can apply for a promotion? You must have served as a DCJS certified law-enforcement officer for at least five years, of which the most recently 12-months must have been served within the rank of Police Officer with the Henrico County Police Division. The 12-month period begins after being released to solo duty.
  8. Do I have to buy my equipment or uniforms? No, your equipment and uniforms are provided by the Henrico County Police Division. A personally-assigned patrol vehicle will also be assigned to you.
  9. Will I have to stay in barracks for the academy? No, you will go home each night following the day’s instruction.
  10. Does a “FLETC” count for a modified/lateral transfer? Unfortunately, these types of certifications are not recognized by Virginia DCJS.