In collaboration with others, the Albemarle County Police Department protects and promotes community safety, ensures the safe and orderly movement of traffic, and seeks solutions to any problems that create fear or threaten the quality of life in the county. Albemarle County is the fifth largest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia containing 740 square miles of land and six square miles of water. The Albemarle County Police Department was created in 1983 to assume primary responsibility for law enforcement. The department's present authorized strength is 152 sworn officers, 30 civilian employees. Albemarle County Police department also offers a Public Safety Pay Scale that allows certified officers with previous experience to start at a higher pay rate. Albemarle County Police Department also offers paid training and a take home car policy.