Sworn Positions - Become a Deputy Sheriff!
Public safety and community service are the core missions of the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office, a constitutional office with more than 500 sworn and civilian appointees. In your career with the VBSO, you will serve in the distinguished field of law enforcement, becoming a leader in your community while growing as a professional and forging lifelong relationships. Whether you’re just starting out, looking for a positive change or seeking your next profession after retiring from the military, you will find a rewarding career and a family at the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office.
You also will have extensive opportunities to serve and make a difference in the community.
The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office offers a competitive starting salary of $49,790 with annual increases and career progression increases. Benefits include (but aren't limited to):
- Virginia Retirement System
- Law Enforcement Officer Supplemental Retirement
- City health, vision and dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Paid annual and sick leave
- 14 paid holidays
- Military leave
- Paid parental leave (six weeks)
- Continuing education opportunities, including possible tuition assistance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Training and professional development
- Volunteer opportunities within the community
- Being a part of a team of hard-working professionals who strive for the best on a daily basis
Additional pay and benefits information, including the pay ranges for each rank, is listed in our Pay & Benefits document.
COMMENSURATE SALARY FOR CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: The applicant's qualifications and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine an appropriate commensurate entry point and starting salary.
Minimum standards:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. Citizen with a good employment, credit and police record
- Produce original high school diploma or GED or high school transcripts
- Produce original Social Security Card, birth certificate and, if applicable, an original DD-214 (member copy 4)
- Possess a valid driver’s license
*Please be sure to review the list of automatic disqualifiers .*
The first step in our hiring process is to apply online at vbgovcareers.com and then participate in the physical and written testing. The written test will cover four key areas: reading comprehension, counting accuracy, inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. The Physical Ability Test is measured as a pass/fail test (each component of the test must be passed). The minimum scores are as follows:
- Push-ups: 11 completed using proper form
- Sit & Reach: 5.33 centimeters
- Trunk Pull: 72 pounds of pressure
- 300 Meter Run: 112 seconds
The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. The VBSO is also Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified and fully accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.
Questions? Contact us at (757) 385-8808, employment@vbso.net or (757) 385-4389 (fax).
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to our Job Listing . Create a log-in and search for “Deputy Sheriff Recruit (State)”. Fill in the pertinent data online and submit.
Anyone who is ready to apply as a full-time Deputy Sheriff and meets the minimum requirements outlined in the job posting.
A member of VBSO will contact you to schedule your testing date and will give further instructions.
A written test and Physical Ability Test (PAT). Written test: The written test will cover four key areas: reading comprehension, counting accuracy, inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. Physical Ability Test: The Physical Ability Test is measured as a pass/fail test (each component of the test must be passed). The minimum scores are as follows: Push-ups - 11 completed using proper form; Sit & Reach - 5.33 centimeters; Trunk Pull - 72 pounds of pressure; 300 Meter Run - 112 seconds.
If you fail the written test, you will not participate in the Physical Ability Test and must wait six months to retest. If you pass the written test, but fail the Physical Ability Test, you will need to wait 90 days before retesting. In this case, you will not need to retake the written portion (unless you fail the PAT a second time).
You will be required to fill out a Personal History Questionnaire for the background investigator(s) and will then be given further information for the hiring process.
Automatic disqualifiers include felony convictions, having a drunken driving (DUI) conviction within the last five years, drug distribution and dishonorable discharge from the military. The full list is posted on this web page.