Applicants must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age, but not over 63 years of age.

Applicants must pass a thorough and extensive background check. Only applicants of excellent character are considered. A polygraph examination will be administered to each applicant. Applicants whose past conduct could cause embarrassment to the City of Newport News or the Police Department, if such conduct were made public, are not considered. Applicants must also have a good financial history (Credit Report) in order to be considered for employment.

There is no city residency requirement for Newport News Police Department employees below the rank of Chief of Police. However, the Department encourages employees to establish and maintain residence within the city they help to protect.

You must be a citizen of the United States and be able to communicate in English. Those with a second language, in addition to English, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants selected for employment must successfully pass a stringent physical examination, given at the city's expense, to determine if applicants are physically capable of performing the essential functions of the job. Continued employment is conditioned upon successful completion of the physical examination.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applicants with some college, an Associate Degree or higher, are preferred.