Disqualifications

Automatic Disqualifying Factors for Sworn & Non-Sworn Applicants

The following list includes all items for which an application for a sworn and non-sworn position will be automatically disqualified.

Conviction of any felony
Conviction of domestic violence
Any involvement in the sale of or distribution of illegal drugs
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)
Embezzlement or misappropriation of funds from a former employer
Founded child/elder abuse or neglect case
Illegal possession of a schedule I or II drug or any derivative thereof within the last five 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 within the last five years

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 one-on-one interview with the background investigator.
Conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within past five years
Eluding police within past five years
Leaving the scene of an accident within past two years
Multiple convictions of DUI
No valid driver's license and/or inability to obtain a Virginia license
Refusal to take a blood or breath test related to suspected DUI/DUID within past five years
Suspension or revocation of license or conviction of reckless driving within the last twelve months

Two or more bankruptcies
Any "Dishonorable Discharge" or discharge "other than Honorable" from the military resulting from disciplinary action (case by case as determined by disposition code)
Cheating on any examination or testing associated with this position
Crimes of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing)
Ineligibility to possess a firearm in Virginia
Intentional omission on the application/background process for this position. Intentional lying on the application/background process for this position
Having any visible tattoos, brands, piercings, intentional scarifications (intentional scarifications are those that did not occur accidentally/naturally) other body modifications on the face, head, front half of the neck in front of the ears (50% of the neck behind the ears). Offensive tattoos are prohibited.
Full tattoo sleeves ARE allowed. Full sleeve tattoos, including the hands, are allowed, but tattoos or body art displaying the following are prohibited: racism, sexism, or sexually suggestive or explicit, obscenity or profane, gang or drug related, or undermining City or Department values.

If you would like more information about opportunities within the Suffolk Police Department e-mail a Background Investigator at cjaramillo@suffolkva.us, lstabinski@suffolkva.us, or dwiggins@suffolkva.us.