Police Cadet

Burlington Police Department; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Burlington Police Department in Burlington, NC is hiring for Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) courses beginning in July 2026 and January 2027. Trainees attend BLET at Alamance Community College, participate in classroom, physical, and practical components, and prepare for a future role in policing.

Selected candidates will follow a structured training program under Training Lieutenants, with potential afternoon/evening or weekend sessions and adherence to ACC schedules.

Qualifications

• Graduation from High School or GED Equivalency.
• Learns and adheres to laws, policies and procedures.
• Participates in role-play scenarios and tests.
• Demonstrates ethical and professional standards in training.

Responsibilities

• Attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Alamance Community College and complete all required components.
• Stay engaged in classroom learning, take notes, and participate actively.
• Demonstrate decision-making, communication, and tactical skills in controlled scenarios.
• Complete coursework and testing with passing scores.
• Adhere to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and the BLET Code of Conduct.

Skills

Structured hierarchy

Learn laws & policies

Situational judgment

Radio procedures

Law enforcement technology

Firearms knowledge

Follow instructions

Communication skills

Reading & writing

Foundational policing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computers & software

Police equipment familiarity

Job description

About us

The Burlington Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency that is committed to quality fair and professional police services. The agency is made up of more than 150 sworn officers and 50 professional staff members serving the City of Burlington, North Carolina. Voted the #1 Police Agency in NC in 2024, we serve a growing city of approximately 60,000 residents.

What you will do

An employee in this class is responsible for attending Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) classes on a daily basis through Alamance Community College; listening to instruction, participating in physical fitness training, participating in role play scenarios and taking tests. The employee must have a positive attitude and desire to learn through hard work and good study habits. The work is performed under the observation and review of the Training Lieutenant and other Training officers. This employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement training. This classification is considered non-exempt in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This job posting is intended to hire for the Basic Law Enforcement Training courses beginning in July 2026 and January 2027. If you are chosen to be hired, you will be required to attend the Alamance Community College (ACC) BLET class and adhere to their schedule. This may include some afternoons/evenings and potentially some weekends.

Hiring Timeframe

July 2026 BLET Class - Hiring will occur in May/June 2026 and the BLET class will start in July 2026. January 2027 BLET Class - Hiring will occur in November/December 2026 and the BLET class will not begin until January 2027.

Policing with a Purpose

• Preserving the Sanctity of ALL Life
• Nurture and Protect Democracy
• Ensure Procedural Justice and Fundamental Fairness
• Spirit of Service
• Protect the Community from Harm
• Treat all individuals with Dignity and Respect-the ethical foundation of policing.

Build a Strong Training Foundation

Attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Alamance Community College and complete all required classroom, physical, and practical components. Stay Engaged in Classroom Learning Listen attentively during instruction, take clear notes, participate actively in discussions, and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to mastering course material. Practice Real-World Policing Skills Participate in role-playing scenarios designed to develop decision-making, communication, and tactical abilities in controlled environments. Complete Coursework and Testing Successfully Finish all assignments on time, take graded tests, and maintain passing scores that demonstrate readiness for a future law enforcement role. Embrace Ethical and Professional Standards Learn and model the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and consistently adhere to the expectations outlined in the Basic Law Enforcement Training Code of Conduct.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to work within structure: Functions effectively under a strict law enforcement hierarchy and established protocols. Ability to learn laws and policies: Learns, understands, and applies applicable laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. Strong situational judgment: Analyzes situations accurately and selects quick, effective, and responsible courses of action. Ability to learn radio procedures: Develops proficiency in standard police radio broadcasting practices. Ability to use technology: Learns to operate computers and applicable software used in law enforcement environments. Familiarity with law enforcement equipment: Builds skill in the use of firearms and other authorized tools. Ability to follow instructions: Understands and carries out oral and written directives accurately. Effective communication skills: Communicates clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing. Strong reading and writing ability: Reads and writes at a level required for successful job performance. Basic policing knowledge: Possesses foundational understanding of modern law enforcement principles and procedures. Knowledge of operating policies: Understands departmental SOPs and relevant federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Knowledge of job-specific tools: Familiar with practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to assigned tasks. Ability to act in emergencies: Responds quickly, calmly, and appropriately in high-pressure or emergency situations. Strong interpersonal skills: Maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, and the general public.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from High School or GED Equivalency
• 20 Years of Age (by the time you take the state exam in BLET)

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License
• Ability to obtain certification as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission after successful training and based on background review.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work in this position is medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Employee must have the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading.
• This employee is exposed to inside and outside working conditions.
• This employee may be exposed to noise which would cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level; hazards including proximity to moving equipment; and atmospheric conditions which may affect the respiratory system.

Inclement Weather Classification: Essential FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt This job description in no way implies that the duties listed are the only ones the employee may b