Disqualifications

Automatic Disqualifying Factors for Sworn Police Officer Applicants

The following list includes all items for which an application for Police Officer will be automatically disqualified.

Criminal History

• Conviction of domestic violence
• Conviction of any Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor (or the Virginia State Law equivalent) within the last five years, excluding traffic violations (minor offenses may be looked at on a case by case basis)
• Any involvement in the sale of or distribution of illegal drugs
• Illegal possession of a schedule I or II drug or any derivative thereof within the last fifteen years (excluding marijuana)
• Illegal use and/or possession of anabolic steroids within the last five years
• Illegal use of any drug classified as a hallucinogen
• Illegal use or possession of marijuana or hashish within the last twelve months
• Embezzlement or misappropriation of funds from a former employer
• Founded child abuse or neglect case

Driving History

• Four or more negative points on a Virginia Operator’s license (or the equivalent for out of state residents). Points may be negated by attending defensive driving school offered by the DMV prior to the initial testing.
• Conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (within past five years)
• Multiple convictions of DUI
• Refusal to take a blood or breath test (within past five years)
• Eluding police (within past five years)
• Leaving the scene of an accident (within past five years)
• Suspension or revocation of license or conviction of reckless driving within the last twelve months
• No valid driver’s license and/or inability to obtain a Virginia license

Other

• Crimes of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing etc)
• Two or more bankruptcies
• Dishonorable discharge from the military
• Cheating on any examination or testing associated with this position
• Intentional omission or lying on application for this position
• Ineligibility to possess a firearm in Virginia

If you would like more information on opportunities within the Suffolk Police Department contact our Background Investigator at 514-7907.