An Overview

The Special Police Officer (SPO) exercise limited police powers for the enforcement of State and City Codes for both criminal and traffic violations within the City of Alexandria. The immediate responsibilities of our Special Police Officers are to exercise the powers and duties related to regulations and enforcement of the Photo Red Light Camera and Photo Speed Cameras in the City of Alexandria, according to provisions set by Virginia State Code and Alexandria City Code. SPO’s also provide assistance to citizens with various requests for information, including police offense reports and supplements, accident reports, police clearances and criminal history checks and warrant information. Incumbents in this position are required to work independently. Extensive training for this position will be provided.

The salary range considered for this position will be $55,410.16- $77,074.92 only.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have knowledge and ability to use a computer and should possess the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and courteously with colleagues and the public. A strong ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions is required. Demonstrated experience with police methods, practices and procedures; good knowledge of pertinent Federal and State laws and ordinances. Candidates with a background (sworn or civilian) in law enforcement, armed security, criminal justice, and a military or legal background are desired. Must pass physical, psychological, polygraph, drug screen and background investigation.

The Opportunity – Examples of Work

Under general supervision a Special Police Officer:

• Monitors the Photo Safety Red Light Program for violations via the computer Verra Mobilitysystem; responds to telephone and mail requests for hearings, conducts administrative hearings. 
• Monitors the Speed Camera Program for violations via the computer Verra Mobility system; respond to telephone and mail requests for hearings, conducts administrative hearings. 
• Visually inspect each camera and signate at each location to ensure the cameras are working and are calibrated correctly.
• Ensures contractors are operating within the guidelines of the City of Alexandria, 

Virginia State Police and Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Monitors online and approve any violations that are resubmitted in the system. Testifies as a witness in court in connection with arrests and Red-Light Program violations.

• Assists the public and employees with various requests for information, including police offense reports and supplements, accident reports, police clearances and criminal history checks, insurance verifications, warrant information, referrals and directions, VIN verifications.
• Performs special assignments such as, firearm release to owner from property, concealed weapon permit application processing;
• Operates computers and searches for wanted checks, Department of Motor Vehicle files, vehicle identification number verifications, bicycle registrations, and enters warrant information and locates previously reported information.

About the Department 

The City of Alexandria Police Department is a nationally recognized and accredited law enforcement agency providing services to a diverse community. A group of talented professionals, the Alexandria Police Department is a dedicated team of people who, in partnership with the community, work to create and maintain a safe and secure environment for our residents, merchants, and visitors. We are a diverse organization, reflecting Alexandria’s various cultures and offering many different career and promotional opportunities.

• Must be a United State citizen or legal resident alien of the United States. The Virginia VCIN/NCIC (Virginia Criminal Information Network / National Criminal Information Center) mandates that all basic terminal operators be a United States citizen or be a lawful resident of the United States; as well as be employed by a criminal justice agency prior to applying for certification.
• Must be 21 years of age at the time of application.
• Must pass a physical, psychological, polygraph, drug screen and background investigation.

Current or previous law enforcement certification from a recognized local, state, federal law enforcement or military institution; employees must maintain all mandatory State certification requirements, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge; Demonstrated experience with police methods, practices and procedures; good knowledge of pertinent Federal and State laws and ordinances. Candidates with a background (sworn or civilian) in law enforcement, armed security, criminal justice, and a military or legal background are desired. Must pass physical, psychological, polygraph, drug screen and background investigation.

Notes: 

Positions being filled will be assigned to a daylight shift at this time (6:00am- 2:30 pm) according to the needs of the unit.

This position requires the successful completion of the following pre-employment background checks:

Polygraph

Psychological Examination

Drug Screen

Complete Medical Examination

Criminal Background Checks (local and federal)