Police Officer Trainee

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical and dental care

Generous retirement benefits

Family-friendly and cultural programs

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a Police Officer Trainee to join its security and safety teams. You will begin with paid Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) sponsorship while in the program and progress toward commissioning as a Police Officer in North Carolina.

Candidates should be eligible for NC Campus Police Certification, possess a NC driver’s license, and be at least 20 years old with suitable vision. Duke offers a strong development path, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Eligible for NC Campus Police Certification including BLET completion.
• Must meet age and vision requirements; background check and medical exams required.
• Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree and prior law enforcement experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate in North Carolina–certified BLET program while paid.
• Assist with assessments, fitness tests, background checks, medical and psychological exams, drug screening, polygraph.
• Upon completion, serve as a uniformed Police Officer.
• Patrol Duke University properties to protect life and property while enforcing laws.
• Engage with the Duke community through professional policing.
• Work 12-hour rotating shifts in the Uniform Patrol Division.

Skills

BLET program

NC Campus Police Certification

Driver's license (NC)

Physical fitness

Public safety mindset

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree

Job description

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Date: Oct 7, 2026

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we embrace diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths each team member brings to our community. As aPolice Officer Trainee, you’ll join a mission-driven department dedicated to ensuring the safety and well‑being of Duke’s campuses and health system. You’ll grow alongside a supportive team as you prepare for a meaningful career in law enforcement serving a diverse academic community.

Be Bold.

As a Police Officer Trainee, you'll take your first steps toward becoming a fully commissionedPolice Officerin North Carolina. Duke will sponsor your Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) while you remain in paid status. This role is ideal for individuals who are committed to public safety, personal integrity, and continuous learning.

What You’ll Do

• Participate in and complete a North Carolina–certified Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program.
• Engage in applicant assessments, physical fitness testing, background investigation, medical and psychological examinations, drug screening, and a polygraph evaluation.
• Upon completion of BLET and commissioning, serve as a uniformed Police Officer.
• Patrol University and Health System properties to protect life and property while enforcing federal, state, and local laws.
• Build positive relationships with members of the Duke community through professional, community‑oriented policing practices.
• Work rotating 12‑hour shifts upon assignment to the Uniform Patrol Division.

Choose Duke.

Why Duke?

• Paid BLET Training:Earn while you learn.
• Professional Growth:A clear pathway from trainee to Police Officer.
• Community Impact:Work in a dynamic environment centered on learning, safety, and service.
• Competitive Pay:Higher pay rate upon completion of training and commissioning.

What You Bring

• Eligibility for NC Campus Police Certification, including successful completion of BLET.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Minimum age of 20.
• Corrected vision of at least 20/30 with soft contact lenses; uncorrected vision no worse than 20/200.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior or current law enforcement certification.
• Completion of a North Carolina‑certified BLET program.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Previous professional experience as a law enforcement officer.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a team committed to safety, service, and excellence.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $25.26 to USD $29.43. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.