Police Trainee

City of Wilmington, NC

Wilmington (NC)

On-site

USD 56,000 - 69,000

Full time

11 days ago

Application generator

A complete application in a minute — tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid leave & holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The City of Wilmington, NC is seeking Police Trainees for Spring 2027 recruitment. This program targets applicants pursuing a career in law enforcement who will train at a Police Academy and then move into a sworn role.

Selected candidates begin through a multi-step process including tests, interviews, and a background review. Upon successful completion, the annual starting salary is $62,593.44.

Qualifications

Must be 20 years old by the time you graduate Basic Law Enforcement Training.
Valid driver’s license.
U.S. citizen.
High School Diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

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.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position 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 forms MUST be uploaded and attached to the online application in order to move forward in the process. If you have trouble uploading any of the forms, please contact Human Resources at hrinfo@wilmingtonnc.gov. Photographs of documents will not be accepted.

Note: All notary signatures must be recent and up-to-date. Do not sign the F3 and Personal Inquiry Waiver until you are in the presence of a notary.

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

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

Notes

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.

Typical Tasks

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 special events and community activities.
Learn and apply appropriate procedures for the safe handling and use of chemical, biological, and other protective equipment.
Maintain assigned equipment and ensure it is ready for use.
Build positive relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, and fellow City employees.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Why This Role Matters

Every call answered, every interaction with a resident, and every response to an emergency is an opportunity to make a difference. As a Police Trainee, you'll develop the skills and judgment needed to serve with professionalism, integrity, and compassion while becoming an important part of the Wilmington Police Department.

Qualifications

In addition to completing and attaching the above referenced documents to your application, successful candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

20 years of age by the time you graduate Basic Law Enforcement Training
Valid driver's license
U. S. Citizen
High School Diploma or GED

Employment Disqualifiers

Please visit the Police Department website to view a list of Employment Disqualifiers.

Supplemental Information

If you’d like to learn more about the hiring process and get answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Police Department Website or contact Officer Roberts at terrell.roberts@wilmingtonnc.gov.

Physical Demands And Working Conditions

Work is performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting, driving, and physical activity. The position may require bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and other physical movements necessary to perform essential job functions. Employees may be required to respond quickly to emergency situations and perform physically demanding activities, including pursuing, restraining, or assisting individuals.

Work may involve exposure to inclement weather, traffic, noise, hazardous materials, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and other potentially hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Employees may encounter individuals who are hostile, uncooperative, or emotionally distressed and may be exposed to stressful or potentially traumatic situations.

The position may require working nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and varying or extended shifts. Employees may be subject to emergency call-back, schedule changes, and other operational requirements. The use of personal protective equipment may be required.

Our Core Values

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What We Offer

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
Free on-site city gym access
Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
6-weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates

After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance

The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance

Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance

The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement

NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
Deferred Compensation – The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.

Paid Leave

Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Miscellaneous

Tuition reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Short & Long Term Disability
Cancer & Critical Illness
Accident Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
Credit Union membership

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to receive their first paycheck approximately 4 weeks after their start date.

This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. Entering "N/A" or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

Which best describes your highest level of education?

High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctorate Degree
None - N/A

Do you have a valid Drivers License and meet NC DMV standards?

Are you at least 20 years of age or older or will you be 20 years of age before graduating Basic Law Enforcement Training?

Are you a US Citizen? Note: If submitting a foreign birth certificate, you must also attach a certificate of citizenship or naturalization

The following is a summary of the steps in the selection process. Please note that the selection process could take up to 3 months to complete. Select "yes" that you have read and understand.

Please review the below documents. Have you attached all documents to the application with required notarization?

Do you understand that correspondence will be sent to candidates using the e-mail address and phone number included on the application? Candidates must monitor their e-mail closely after the application has been submitted.