Our Mission

The Staunton Police Department (SPD) is charged with the duty and privilege of protecting and serving all persons within our jurisdiction. We are committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and public order; and the safeguarding of Constitutional guarantees. It is only with the commitment to public cooperation that we can successfully carry out this mission.

Current Job Opportunities

The SPD has periodic openings for police officers. If you’re interested in becoming an officer with SPD, read the information below to learn more about our benefits, job responsibilities and requirements and the application process. The City of Staunton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DCJS Certified Officers

Interested individuals who hold current certification as a Police Officer through the Commonwealth of Virginia may, but are not required to, take the written test, but must submit a completed employment application with a copy of certification(s) by the closing date of posting. He or she will also be required to successfully complete all other aspects of the hiring process. Openings for certified officers can be found here.

Why SPD?

Join a leading accredited law enforcement agency and make a difference in a thriving community.

We offer:

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package

• Anticipated starting annual salary of $50,075 
• Excellent benefits package, including health, life, and dental insurance, paid leave and holidays
• Educational incentive of an additional $1,800 per year for officers with an associate degree or higher

Supportive Workplace & Community

• Impactful work
• Collaborative environment
• Wellness program and support
• Comprehensive field training program
• Opportunities for advanced training
• Career development program, including Senior and Master Police Officer designations with pay incentives
• Progressive, employee-centered leadership
• Commitment to fair and impartial policing
• Internationally accredited agency
• Strong support from community
• Progressive facial hair and tattoo policy
• Low cost of living

Responsibilities and Requirements

Officer Responsibilities 

• Public safety
• Law enforcement
• Crime prevention
• Traffic control
• Accident investigation

Specialized Assignment Opportunities

• Critical Incident Response Team
• Criminal Investigations Unit
• Drug Task Force Investigator
• Bike Patrol Officer
• Field Training Officer
• Hostage Negotiations Team
• K-9 Officer
• Honor Guard
• School Resource Officer
• Tactical Support Team (Robots and Drones)
• Specialized Instructor Certifications
• US Marshals Task Force
• Peer Support Team

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action through thoughtful decision making
• Possess the desire to solve problems by developing collaborative relationships with members of the community

Application Process

The hiring process can take approximately four to eight weeks and requires successful completion of the following:

• Employment application
• Written test
• Interview
• Background investigation
• Psychological evaluation
• Pre-employment physical

A written test is required. To be eligible to test, each candidate must reserve a spot for the test via an email that includes your name and “Police Test” in the subject line,  and complete a City of Staunton employment application,

More Information

•  Contact Captain C.R. Kauffman at 540.332.3855 for more information or questions about open positions
• Apply for open positions
• Visit our Facebook page