Job Description

Posting number: FY27-00028 - Spring 2027

Department: Police

Job classification: Police Academy

Posting type: Open (External and Internal)

Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Investigative, Criminology

Summary

**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):

1. North Carolina Personal History Statement (F3) - select "Police F3", select "Sign Up", complete online, print, & have notarized. (Attach full notarized document to the application)
2. WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver -print and complete (handwritten signature required and must be notarized)
3. WPD Credit Inquiry Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
4. Criminal History Inquiry Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
5. Driving History Inquiry Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
6. Copy of Birth Certificate - certificate of naturalization will be required if applicant has a foreign birth certificate
7. Copy of Official Transcript (seal not required)
8. - High School - transcript only
9. - GED - copy of final grade must be attached
10. - 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. 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.

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

Steps 8-11 are completed once a conditional job offer has been given.

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.

Examples of duties

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

Please visit the Police Department website to view a list of 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 terrell.roberts@wilmingtonnc.gov **

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.