FAQs • Roanoke, VA • CivicEngage

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Roanoke, VA

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How long will it take to be considered for specialized duty such as Vice, SWAT or K-9?: Generally an officer must be assigned to patrol for a period of 3 years before being considered for permanent specialized duty. Temporary transfers are offered within the department so that new officers are permitted to work in specialized units to enhance their training.

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Police Academy

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1. How old must I be to become a police officer?: All applicants to the Roanoke Police Academy are required to be 21 years of age upon graduation of the Police Academy.

2. What is on the written test for police officers?: The written test is composed mainly of reading comprehension, basic math and memorization skills.

3. Will I need to study for the written test?: For most applicants extra study is not required to pass the written test.

4. Can I reschedule the written test?: Yes, the written test is offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

5. How is the agility test graded?: The agility test is graded pass/fail.

6. Will a degree help me in the application process?: Yes, should other qualifications be equal or comparable, the applicant with a degree will be given preference.

7. Will I need a degree to become a police officer?: No. Although higher education is preferred. A high school diploma or the equivalent is required to become a police officer.

8. What is the agility test composed of?: The agility test is performance based. It is composed of a shuttle run, obstacle course and an unloaded or dry fire gun drill.

9. Is the police academy difficult?: The Police Academy is challenging academically and physically but not difficult for those willing to work hard and study.

10. Will I have to live at the Police Academy?: No, academy classes are held from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. at which time recruits are dismissed and return the next day. Recruits in the academy work a 5 day work week with Saturday, Sunday and holidays off.

11. What happens after I graduate from the Police Academy?: Immediately after completing the police academy police officers undergo field training with a Field Training Officer for 12 weeks.

12. What shifts do officers work?: Police Officers work 12 hour shifts. Shifts rotate from day to night at 6 week intervals.

13. Will I be required to live in the City of Roanoke?: No, officers must certainly used discretion as to how far away they live. However, there is no requirement to live in the City of Roanoke.

14. How long will it take to be considered for specialized duty such as Vice, SWAT or K-9?: Generally an officer must be assigned to patrol for a period of 3 years before being considered for permanent specialized duty. Temporary transfers are offered within the department so that new officers are permitted to work in specialized units to enhance their training.