Police Trainee

City of Wilmington, NC; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Wellness clinic

Gym access

Paid leave

Parental leave

Volunteer leave

Flex schedule

Professional development

Tuition assistance

Job summary

City of Wilmington, NC is seeking candidates for the Spring 2027 Police Trainee program. Trainees will train at a Police Academy and move into sworn roles upon completion, with a starting annual salary of $62,593.44.

Applicants must be 20+ years old, a U.S. citizen, possess a valid driver’s license, and have a high school diploma or GED. The process includes a comprehensive application, tests, interview, and background checks.

Qualifications

• 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

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.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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.

Required Forms and Attachments

• 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 [e-mail]. Unclear or unreadable 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.

Recruitment Process Overview

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. Steps 8-11 are completed once a conditional job offer has been given.
9. Step 8: Polygraph
10. Step 9: Psychological Evaluation
11. Step 10: Medical/Drug Screening
12. 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.

Physical Abilities Test

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.

Examination Details

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

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 [e-mail] ** Supplemental Information

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

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

• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Cancer & Critical Illness
• Accident Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance
• Credit Union membership
• Access to City Fitness Center

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.

Supplemental Questionnaire Items

• 01
  • Yes
• 02
  • Yes
• 03
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate Degree
  • None - N/A
• 04
  • Yes
  • No
• 05
  • Yes
  • No
• 06
  • Yes
  • No
• 07
  • Yes
• 08
  • Yes
  • No
• 09
  • Yes
  • Required Question