Police Cadet

City of Burlington NC; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Burlington NC is seeking candidates to join the Burlington Police Department as officers-in-training through Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET). This program begins July 2026 and January 2027, with classes at Alamance Community College.

Trainees will attend daily BLET sessions, participate in fitness training, and engage in realistic scenarios under supervision. Selected recruits will learn to apply laws, policies, and department procedures, develop quick decision‑making, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be 20+ by time of state exam.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Attend BLET classes daily through Alamance Community College.
• Adhere to ACC BLET schedule, including some afternoons/evenings.
• Learn laws, policies, and department procedures.
• Develop decision-making, communication, and tactical skills.
• Complete coursework and testing for readiness.

Skills

Structure in hierarchy

Laws and policies

Situational judgment

Radio procedures

Technology usage

Law enforcement equipment

Follow instructions

Effective communication

Reading and writing

Basic policing knowledge

Operating policies

Job tools knowledge

Emergency action

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Have you ever dreamed of helping others as a police officer? Do you want to contribute to your community in a greater capacity? We are looking for you to become the next Burlington Police Officer!

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)
• US Citizenship

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 be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as requested by their supervisors.