Lateral Police Trainee

Charlotteairport; Charlotte (NC); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Police Trainee with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. This role offers the opportunity to undergo comprehensive training at the CMPD Academy, preparing you for a rewarding career in law enforcement. As a trainee, you will learn essential skills in policing, patrolling, and investigation while working closely with experienced officers. This position emphasizes integrity and professionalism, aiming to serve and protect the citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. If you are ready to make a difference and serve your community, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
• Pass entry-level physical ability and written examinations.

Responsibilities

• Complete CMPD Academy and pass Basic Law Enforcement Training.
• Perform entry-level law enforcement work under supervision.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

KBCOPS

PeopleSoft

DCI System

Job description

time left to apply End Date: December 15, 2025 (30+ days left to apply)

job requisition id JR100779

Date Opened: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 12:00 AM
Close Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Salary: $28.19 - $36.46 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Police Trainee is responsible for completing the CMPD Academy and passing the Basic Law Enforcement Training to become certified sworn law enforcement providing protection, policing, patrolling, and investigation. Police Trainees participate in a structured training and certification program and perform entry-level law enforcement work under close supervision.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking to recruit in-state and out-of-state lateral Police Officers. We are looking for outstanding certified, sworn law enforcement officers to add to our ranks.

We are interested in officers who exhibit integrity, professionalism and dedication to bring their skills and experience to service the citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Experience such as: Federal Law Enforcement, Corrections Officer, Probation Officer, Park Ranger, Security Officer, Detention Officer, Jailer, College and Campus Security, etc., as determined by our department, will not be considered.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in a structured law enforcement training academy that incorporates an adult learning environment and follows a paramilitary model to gain knowledge of entry-level law enforcement responsibilities.
• Participate in a field training program with the assistance of a field training officer, applying techniques learned in the training academy.
• Meet all training requirements established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice and Training Standards Commission as well as traditional requirements established by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
• Perform entry-level law enforcement work under close supervision involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of applicable laws and ordinances, provision of traffic control, prevention of crime, and other related responsibilities.
• Prepare and maintain applicable logs, records, reports, and files.
• Keep assigned tools and/or equipment in clean and safe working condition; adhere to applicable policies and procedures.
• Work with community leaders and members on crime reduction projects.
• Assist in developing crime reduction programs upon becoming a Police Officer.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess High School Diploma/GED
• Be at least 20 years old
• Be U.S. Citizen
• Have not committed or been convicted of any Felony offense or serious Misdemeanor offense
• Have not committed or been convicted of DWI or DUI during the preceding five years
• Pass entry-level written examination
• Pass entry-level physical ability test
• Must be able to wear a gas mask and pass an OSHA fit test
• Pass extensive background investigation
• Honorable Military Discharge, if applicable
• Be approved by Civil Service Board
• Normal Color Vision
• Minimum corrected visual acuity of 20/30 binocularly
• Pass pre-employment Drug Screening Test

Licensing/Certifications:

• Possess or have ability to obtain valid NC or SC Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work.
• Business math concepts.
• Filing and record-keeping principles.
• Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices.
• Uses and properties of supplies and equipment.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
• Customer service principles.
• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.
• Modern office technology.
• Providing attention to detail in assignments.
• Business math computations.
• Acquiring and retaining knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices and procedures.
• Making effective decisions and applying appropriate actions based on different situations in accordance with laws, policies, procedures and standards.
• Organizing and maintaining records and files.
• Maintaining and updating data and documentation.
• Comprehending reference books and manuals.
• Operating assigned tools and equipment.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment).
• Providing customer service.
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Possess essential skills related to written & oral communication, critical thinking, and problem solving/analytical skills.
• Pass the Basic Law Enforcement Training according to the State of North Carolina.
• Obtain Division of Criminal Information (DCI) and CPR certifications.
• Successfully complete and pass physical fitness and classroom training and testing.
• Use state, local, and NC criminal information systems to obtain crime/suspect related information to include KBCOPS, CJLEADS, DCI.
• Work with diverse community members.
• Learn how to complete reports and provide testimony in court.
• Learn CMPD technology systems to include KBCOPS, PeopleSoft.

ADA and Other Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of