Join the Portsmouth Police Department

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Portsmouth Police officer

6 Reasons To Wear The Portsmouth PD Badge

1. Competitive Salary

Highly competitive compensation with Medical & Vision coverage, paid holidays, bonuses, tuition reimbursement, part time and overtime opportunities and more!

2. Signing Bonus

New recruits - $1,000. Experienced officers - $1,500

3. Paid Training

Collect your full salary during training at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training

4. Favorable Work Schedule

We have one of the most enviable and reliable work schedules in the region. Officers work 12-hour shifts with every other weekend off.

5. Advancement Opportunities

Rise through our ranks and be the officer you always wanted to be

6. Enviable Lifestyle

Live in an affordable, diverse coastal city just minutes from the Chesapeake Bay and the beach



Portsmouth Police officers
Portsmouth Police officers
Portsmouth Police officers
Portsmouth Police officers

Who we’re hiring

The City of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Police Department are looking for applicants 21 or older who have a desire to protect our people, lift up our community and serve as role models to our children. Are you a retired military veteran? Fresh out of college with a Criminal Justice degree? New to police work? Working as a security guard or related field and thinking about advancing your career? We’d love to hear from you.

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Rivers Casino
Photo Courtesy of Rivers Casino

Additional Earning Opportunities

The City of Portsmouth offers extensive opportunities for additional income sources for our police officers, including a variety of community events.

Additionally, the new Rivers Casino will be a shining jewel of Portsmouth and will bring new opportunities for our officers. The $300 million investment will feature a sports-book, premier restaurants, live entertainment lounge, hotel, and an event center for hosting concerts, weddings, and meetings.

Our Mission

The Portsmouth Police Department is dedicated to the protection and security of all people and, in partnership with our community, to providing quality public safety services while affording dignity and respect to every individual.

PORTSMOUTH, VA

Virginia’s Historic Seaport

Rich in history and charm, Portsmouth is a peaceful Southeastern Virginia seaport city in the heart of metropolitan Hampton Roads. Settled in 1636 along the deep waters of the Elizabeth River, Portsmouth is just 30 minutes to the sandy shores of Virginia Beach, 45 minutes to Historic Williamsburg, and a 5-minute ferry ride to bustling Downtown Norfolk.

Historic Old Towne Houses
Historic Old Towne
The Commodore Theater
Family-Friendly Entertainment
The Coffee Shoppe
Great Local Restaurants
Historic Old Towne landmark clock tower
Legendary History
The Children's Museum
Museums & Historic Sites
Ready To Get Started?

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