Police Trainee

Wilmington Police Department; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wilmington Police Department is accepting Spring 2027 Police Trainee applications. This position targets individuals pursuing a law enforcement career who are not yet certified and will require training at a Police Academy.

Trainees may be considered for participation in the Police Academy, and upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, become sworn officers. Starting pay is $62,593.44 annually.

Qualifications

• Applicants are not yet certified law enforcement officers and will receive training at a Police Academy.
• Selected applicants will be considered for participation in the Police Academy.
• Upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, employees become sworn officers.

Responsibilities

• Respond to citizen calls for service and assist individuals in need.
• Develop and maintain a visible police presence to promote safety and public confidence.
• Learn and perform law enforcement activities and operations under supervision.
• Develop skills in crime prevention, investigation, and evidence gathering.
• Learn to safely operate police vehicles, equipment, and technologies.
• Participate in tactical, security, prisoner, and traffic operations as part of training.
• Complete accurate reports, records, and other required documentation.
• Navigate streets and respond efficiently to calls throughout the City.

Job description

**SPRING 2027 POLICE TRAINEE APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

One City. One Mission. One Community to Protect.

Start Your Career in Law Enforcement with the City of Wilmington!

This position is intended for those applicants who are seeking a career in law enforcement who are not yet certified law enforcement officers and will require training at a Police Academy. The selected applicants will be considered for participation in the Police Academy. Upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, employees are moved into a sworn law enforcement role beginning at $62,593.44 annually.

The following forms must be completed and attached to the online application for consideration (NOTE: Please make sure appropriate notarization is obtained on the F-3 and WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver prior to submitting an application):

• North Carolina Personal History Statement (F3) - select "Police F3", select "Sign Up", complete online, print, & have notarized. (Attach full notarized document to the application)
• WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver -print and complete (handwritten signature required and must be notarized)
• WPD Credit Inquiry Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
• Criminal History Inquiry Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
• Driving History Inquiry Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
• Copy of Birth Certificate - certificate of naturalization will be required if applicant has a foreign birth certificate
• Copy of Official Transcript (seal not required)
• High School - transcript only
• GED - copy of final grade must be attached
• College - transcript only

NOTE: Should you become employed with the City, you will need official transcripts for entrance into the BLET program.

The following is a summary of the steps in the recruitment process:

1. Step 1: Completion of City of Wilmington online Application and Wilmington Police Department Application Packet
2. Step 2: Preliminary Screening (against job qualifications)
3. Step 3: Job-Related Physical Abilities Test
4. Step 4: Written Test
5. Step 5: Interview Board
6. Step 6: Complete Background Investigation
7. Step 7: Chief of Police Interview or their designee
8. Step 8: Polygraph
9. Step 9: Psychological Evaluation
10. Step 10: Medical/Drug Screening
11. Step 11: Final Offer of Employment

After an Application is submitted to the City of Wilmington Human Resources Department, it will be forwarded to the Wilmington Police Department Professional Development Unit. Applicants who meet the initial minimum requirements will be contacted to attend the Physical and Written Testing once the application has been reviewed.

The Physical Abilities Test is outlined below and must be completed in 7 minutes 20 seconds or less to continue in the hiring process. Applicants will be given one attempt to pass the test.

• Run 200 yards
• Step up on a step box 20 times
• 15 Push Ups
• 15 Sit Ups
• Step up on a step box 20 times
• 15 Push Ups
• 15 Sit Ups
• Run 200 yards

The Written Test will consist of a multiple choice test. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% in order to continue in the recruitment process.

Each step must be successfully completed to advance to the next recruitment phase.

In the event an applicant does not successfully complete any step of the recruitment process, they may reapply whenever a new posting for a position is advertised.

Physical & Written Exams will be conducted at the WPD Haynes/Lacewell Training facility, 3100 Hurst Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. Exam dates to be determined by Police Recruiter. Qualified applicants will receive testing confirmation and instructions. Applicants who successfully pass both the physical and written exam will be invited to return for an interview panel.

The application process may take up to 3 months to complete. Please check your Governmentjobs.com account to view the status of your application, which will show what stage of the process you are in.

As a Police Trainee, you'll have the opportunity to build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to serve and protect the Wilmington community. This is more than a job, it's the beginning of a career dedicated to making a difference, building trust, and keeping our city safe.

Under the guidance and training of experienced law enforcement professionals, Police Trainees learn to respond to calls for service, engage with the community, and perform the essential duties of a police officer. From gaining hands-on experience with police equipment and technology to learning tactical, traffic, security, and investigative operations, you'll develop the skills necessary to confidently serve a diverse community.

What You'll Do:

• Respond to citizen calls for service and assist individuals in need.
• Develop and maintain a visible police presence throughout the community to promote safety and public confidence.
• Learn and perform law enforcement activities and operations under the direction of experienced officers and instructors.
• Develop skills in crime prevention, investigation, and evidence gathering.
• Learn to safely operate police vehicles, communications equipment, weapons systems, and other law enforcement technology.
• Participate in tactical, security, prisoner, and traffic operations as part of your training and assigned duties.
• Complete accurate reports, records, and other required documentation.
• Navigate streets and respond efficiently to calls throughout the City.
• Assist with spe

If you have trouble uploading any of the forms, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].