School Resource Officer (SRO)- Police Officer I (Lateral, Currently DCJS Certified)

POLICE OFFICER I – (LATERAL – DCJS CERTIFIED)

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)

This recruitment is for currently certified DCJS Police Officers (Lateral Transfers) to fill School Resource Officer position(s)

$66,460 - $106,649

(onsite)

The City of Falls Church Police Department is a highly respected, professional public safety agency committed to providing the highest level of service that our community expects. Located six miles from Washington D.C., the City of Falls Church is an independent City, separate from neighboring Arlington and Fairfax Counties, with its own school system, municipal government, and police department. At just over 2 square miles in area, "The Little City" is known for its urban village community, quality customer service, and independent spirit. The City of Falls Church is a culturally diverse community, and we welcome all applicants who are motivated, mission oriented, and committed to upholding the core values of the Police Department: Protection of Life, Community Engagement, Respect, Accountability & Integrity, Fairness, Professionalism, and Innovation.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, permanent position that provides excellent City employee benefits including health, dental, vacation and sick leave, plus a generous retirement plan specifically for uniformed public safety officers. Once hired, all lateral officers must successfully pass a one-year probationary period after successful completion of Field Training. Eligible candidates will be DCJS-law enforcement certified officers or those eligible for reinstatement without having to re-attend the police academy to join our team as a full-time Permanent School Resource Officer (SRO). This is a permanent lateral SRO Officer position at the City’s middle or high school. This is a lateral permanent SRO position. This position is not eligible for promotion or transfer and does not have supervisory responsibilities. This position reports directly to a Sergeant or higher authority.

Applicants must provide a portfolio highlighting their training, experience, and ability to investigate both administrative and criminal incidents within an educational setting. Highly qualified candidates will undergo an oral interview, followed by a conditional offer, background investigation, polygraph, physical exam, and psychological evaluation. Upon successful completion of all steps, a final interview with the Chief of Police will be conducted. Portions of the background check may be modified or waived at Chief’s discretion and may be dependent on the law enforcement employment status of the applicant.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:

• Serves as a visible, active law enforcement presence on public school campus and is responsible for ensuring safety by patrolling school grounds, responding to suspicious activity taking law enforcement action as needed. The SRO oversees their assigned school as well as its feeder elementary and middle schools.
• Assumes primary responsibility for handling all calls for service from the school and coordinates the response of other police resources to the school.  Investigates, or assists in investigating, crimes and incidents occurring on school property. SRO is expected to assist PD during dire needs.
• Works closely with the school staff to build positive relationships and promote a better understanding of law enforcement within the school community. This includes participation in the development and implementation of school safety plans and emergency response procedures.
• Conducts annual safety and security assessments of all schools and provides or coordinates safety training for students and staff, including lockdown drills, fire drills, and evacuation protocols.
• Conduct courses and workshops for students, staff and parents to promote social awareness, relationship skills, self-management, self-awareness and responsible decision making. Takes lead on training such as school safety, de-escalation, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, internet safety, Crime prevention, traffic education, law enforcement education, bullying and similar topics.
• Works with the School Administration to identify school events where police presence may be necessary, such as: all night graduation party, school dances, school plays, etc. SRO will attend these events if coverage is unavailable.
• Conducts truancy checks as requested by school administration. Assists in investigating possible residency fraud for the school system.
• Provides informal counseling and support to students and serving as a mentor to build trust and rapport.
• Fulfills all the duties and responsibilities of a police officer. Attends all required PD training and operates under the direction of the Chief of Police or their designee.
• Works flexible hours based on school hours and their needs; however, they are expected to respond to emergencies on campus during or outside of school hours.
• Adheres to the guidelines of the MOU with the City of Falls Church Public Schools.
• SROs will assist with the departmental needs during summer breaks and extended school closures.

·         Performs Other duties and responsibilities as assigned     

Minimum Qualifications

To become a Police Officer with the City of Falls Church Police Department, you must meet the minimum qualifications for law enforcement office as defined in VA Code § 15.2-1705 and other hiring requirements.

• Age: must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age at the time of application and at least 21 by the date of hire.
• Character/Background Assessment: applicants that continue past the exam/interview phase will undergo a comprehensive background investigation and character check. Individual situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; however, a favorable driving record and a clean criminal history are essential. The police department retains the right to reject any applicant for any arrest and/or conviction that occurred at any age (unless the arrest or criminal charge against them has been expunged, pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-1705).

All aspects of an applicant's background are considered when making a final hiring determination, however applicants who have past or current behavior(s) as listed below may be disqualified:

• Have ever engaged in any activity that would support a felony conviction
• Have convictions or charges pending for misdemeanor crimes relating to theft, domestic violence, assault, crimes of moral turpitude (such as lying under oath or falsifying official documents), any crime requiring registration on the Sex Offender Registry at any age, or any crime which carries a penalty of prohibiting the ownership of, possession, or control of a firearm.
• Have recent convictions for D.U.I., D.W.I, or multiple convictions for speeding and other moving violations.
• Have associations with or support in any fashion any criminal gang, extremist-racist, Anti-Semitic group, or any group that has stated a desire to overthrow the United States Government.
• Have recent history of bankruptcy, substantial debts with collection agencies, or poor credit record that indicates poor financial literacy.
• Illicit use of any Schedule 1 drugs (illegal drugs never prescribed for any legitimate purpose), Schedule 2 drugs (medicinal drugs not used in a manner consistent with what they are prescribed for), or anabolic steroids (unless prescribed by a physician) within three years of the date of application.
• Having sold, distributed, or manufactured any prescription or illegal drugs without legal authorization.
• Any previous revocation or denial of certification as Police Officer or a suspension of current certified status.
• Failure to provide a fully completed, honestly reported, Personal History Statement, including intentional withholding of information on any application, interview, or paperwork associated with the position

Citizenship: must be a United States citizen. Permanent resident aliens with an application for naturalization filed and pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may also be considered.

Driver’s License: must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license by date of hire. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant’s driving record.

Education: must have a high school diploma or passed the GED.

Physical Condition: must be in good physical condition as determined by a licensed medical professional provided by the City of Falls Church Human Resources Department. This medical assessment may include tests on physical agility, near vision, color blindness, darkness perception, night vision, and peripheral vision.

Substance Use:

• No use of marijuana from the date of application, regardless of location use (includes states/counties where usage may be legal).
• No use of any tobacco or marijuana products from the date of hire. The City of Falls Church Police Department is a drug and tobacco free work environment.
• Candidates who fail their pre-employment drug screening will be disqualified.

Work Agreements:

• Must sign an employment agreement contract if hired.
• Must be able to work 12.5 hour rotating shifts.
• Successful completion of field training and one (1) year of probationary period after field training.
• Lateral candidates must have a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Officer certification or law enforcement certification in any other state AND ability to obtain a DCJS training waiver.

Hiring and Selection Process:

There is a multi-phase hiring and selection process to determine applicant eligibility for becoming an officer with the City of Falls Church Police Department. Applicants must pass each phase of the process to be considered as a candidate eligible for hire.

1. Apply - Applicants complete and submit the City of Falls Church Job Application.
2. Interview - Eligible candidates will be invited to the Police Department to participate in a panel interview. All active, local, state and federal law enforcement officers, excluding Military Police Officers, are exempt from taking the police entrance exam.
3. Background Investigation - Selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive background investigation and character check that includes fingerprinting, polygraph examination, and psychological assessment.
4. Final Interview - Selected candidates will be invited to interview with City of Falls Church Chief of Police Shahram Fard.
5. Candidates Notified of Job Offers - Offers are contingent on medical assessment and drug screening for final employment.

Hiring steps may be revised based on law enforcement status and at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

Salary and Benefits

Effective July 1, 2025, the salary for newly hired Police Officers starts at $66,460. Certified officers may begin at a higher salary step matching their years of primary law enforcement experience (up to 17 years), with a maximum starting salary of $106,649.  The City of Falls Church offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, police pension plan, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending account, life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, free parking, credit union membership, and more.  See www.fallschurchva.gov/benefits for additional information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Falls Church does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.  The City of Falls Church Police Department makes every effort to recruit qualified individuals from all backgrounds and is proud of the diversity across all positions within the department.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace: The City of Falls Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the federal, state and/or local laws or regulations. Accommodations may be requested for applicants with disabilities.  To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at HRTeam@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5127.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

All City facilities are smoke free.

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