Police Cadet

Southern Pines; Southern Pines (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NC Retirement system

401(k) 5%

Medical Insurance

Sick and Vacation accrual

Job summary

The Town of Southern Pines Police Department is seeking a Police Cadet to begin with Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and prepare for a sworn officer role. This full-time position offers extensive rookie development and a strong benefits package.

Starting January 12, 2027 at Sandhills Community College, successful applicants will undergo a multi-step selection process and must commit to at least two years after BLET. Competitive pay ranges apply with opportunity for advancement.

Qualifications

• Must pass physical, drug test, comprehensive criminal background investigation and psychological testing.
• Must possess a North Carolina Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of appointment.
• Minimum commitment of 2 years after completion of the BLET program.

Responsibilities

• Attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) on a full-time basis starting January 12, 2027.
• Prepare for assignment as a sworn Police Officer for the Town of Southern Pines.
• Navigate the Town of Southern Pines selection process and maintain eligibility through the process.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Anticipated Hiring Range: $45,000 - $50,000

Closing Date: This position will remain open until November 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted by this date to be considered.

Important: The pay range listed above represents the anticipated starting annual compensation for this position. Your final starting pay will be based on factors like your experience, education, and certifications.

The Town of Southern Pines is a growing service-oriented community with a population of approximately 17,400, seeking qualified candidates for a progressive and professional CALEA Nationally Accredited Police Department. The Southern Pines Police Department is a highly trained, professional organization that has embraced the concept of Community Oriented Policing. The Southern Pines Police Department offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package to include:

• Upon the successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Training program (BLET) and state exam, cadets will promote to the rank of Police Officer Trainee with a salary increase to the current pay grade and range for Police Officer Trainee.


• Additional Salary Credits, on top of base salary, for Veterans, College Degrees, Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certifications and other specialized certifications - After BLET graduation for Police Cadets


• Enrollment in the North Carolina Retirement system


• 401(K) contribution of 5%


• Medical Insurance at minimal cost for employee plus many ancillary benefit options (see summary of benefits link in this posting)


• Personal Sick and Vacation accrual benefit

As a Police Cadet, this position's primary responsibility will be to attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) on a full-time basis in preparation for assignment as a sworn police officer for the Town of Southern Pines. The anticipated BLET start date will be January 12, 2027, at Sandhills Community College. Successful applicants must pass a physical, drug test, comprehensive criminal background investigation and psychological testing. Once a sworn officer, the employee must possess a North Carolina Driver’s License; or able to obtain a North Carolina driver license within thirty (30) days of appointment.

NOTE: This position requires a minimum commitment of 2 years employment with the Town of Southern Pines after completion of the BLET program. Failure to complete the BLET program or the minimum 2-year employment commitment will require the candidate to reimburse the Town of Southern Pines for the costs associated with participation in the BLET training program .

We look at every candidate individually and will make sure that your starting pay offer will be based on the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities YOU bring to the table.

We like to take a \"total compensation\" philosophy toward employment with the Town. So please carefully factor in ALL the pay, benefits, work environment, growth opportunities, team atmosphere, economic stability, etc. together as you consider a rewarding future with the Town of Southern Pines.

Please see job descriptions below that are applicable after successful completion of the BLET program:

• Copy of High School Diploma/GED and CERTIFIED COPY of Transcript from an accredited high school - Copy of Birth Certificate


• Copy of College Degree and Transcript (if applicable)


• Copy of Driver License


• Copy of BLET Certificate (if applicable)


• Copy of Military DD-214 (if applicable)


• All documents must be fully completed, signed, dated and notarized (where applicable)

Southern Pines Police Department Applicant Information Sheet

The Selection Process is expected to take between four (4) weeks and eight (8) weeks. The process consists of the following steps:

Step 1: Oral Interview – (Allocate 1 hour for this step) – All positions

Step 2: Writing Exercise – (Allocate 30 minutes for this step) – Sworn positions

Step 3: Background Investigation – (This investigation takes 1 to 2 weeks) – All Positions

Step 4: Conditional Offer of Employment – All Positions

Step 5: Drug Screen – (Allocate 15 minutes for this step) – All Positions

Step 6: Physical Examination – (Allocate 30 minutes to 1 hour for this step) – Sworn and Telecommunicator Positions, and other positions as designated by the Chief of Police

Step 7: Psychological Examination – (Allocate 1 to 2 hours for this step) – Sworn and Telecommunicator Positions, and other positions as designated by the Chief of Police.

Step 8: Firearms Qualifications – (Allocate 4 hours for this step) – Sworn Positions

Step 9: Offer of Employment – All Positions

Applicants that are found to be ineligible for appointment at any step of the process may reapply once the position is re-advertised and the cause for ineligibility has been addressed.

TOWN OF SOUTHERN PINES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Town of Southern Pines is a drug-free workplace. The Town of Southern Pines does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in a job application process, program or activity, please contact the Human Resources Department at 692-7021 or TDD 692-9444 within 36 hours of the scheduled date.