Certified Police Officer (up to $25K hiring incentive)

Certified Police Officer (up to $25K hiring incentive)

Location

Police Department Headquarters, 615 Bess Street, Wilmington, NC

Job Type

Full Time-Regular

Job Number

FY27-00201

Department

Police

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

1/3/2027 11:59 PM Eastern

Post-Offer Required Pre-Employment Screenings

Driving History Check

Criminal History Check

Credit History Check

Background Investigation

Drug Screen

Fit for Duty Physical

Polygraph

Psychological Examination

Approved Hiring Salary/Range

$62,593.44 - $79,781.52 ($28.66 - $36.53)

Full Salary Range

$62,593.44 - $96,991.44 Annually ($28.66 - $44.41 hourly)

Working Hours

2080 hr schedule for training period and then 2184 patrol schedule following state certification and swearing-in period. Shift at the determination of the department.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

One Mission. One Community. One City.

Hiring incentives of up to $25,000 for certified lateral transfers! Please see details in the Supplemental Information section of the job posting.

This application process is for candidates that are BLET Certified, currently in a BLET class (within 6 months of graduation) or a Lateral State Transfer.

All other candidates for Police Trainee, please access the City of Wilmington Employment Page.

The City of Wilmington is accepting applications for Police Officer. In addition to completing the City of Wilmington online application, candidates must also complete and attach supplemental documents to finalize the Police Officer Application Packet.

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 the WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver prior to submitting an application): All notary signatures must be recent and up-to-date. Do not sign the F3 document and the WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver until you are in the presence of a notary.

• 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
• Copy of current NC Law Enforcement Certificate if applicable
• Copy of : Official Transcript (seal not required)
• High School - transcript only
• GED - copy of final grade must be attached
• College - transcript only

The additional forms MUST be uploaded and attached to the online application in order to move forward in the process.

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: Deputy Chiefs of Police Interview

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 online Application Packet 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.

Each step must be successfully completed to advance to the next recruitment phase. In the event an applicant does not successfully complete any phase of the recruitment process, they may reapply whenever a new posting for a position is advertised.

The Physical Abilities Test outlined below must be completed in 7 minutes 20 seconds or less to continue in the recruitment 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 video-based, multiple choice test. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% in order to continue in the recruitment process.

NOTE:

Physical Assessment & Written Exams will be scheduled as soon as possible after the application deadline. Eligible candidates will be notified via email what date/time to report for testing. Applicants who successfully pass both the Physical & Written portions will be invited to return for an interview panel.

The application process may take up to 3 months to complete. For more information on the recruitment process, please visit the Police Department Website.

Typical Tasks

One Mission. One Community. One City.

Join our team and make a real impact in your community. As a Police Officer, you will respond to citizen calls for service, provide a visible and reassuring presence, and carry out essential law enforcement duties to help keep our neighborhoods safe. You'll investigate crimes, conduct security and traffic operations, manage prisoner procedures, and support special events.

In this role, you will operate communications systems, use protective and tactical equipment, complete detailed documentation, navigate city streets, and assist with situations ranging from community concerns to the removal of dangerous animals. Every day brings new responsibilities, new challenges, and new opportunities to serve!

Please note: City Council has approved a Living Wage increase, and the salary shown in this posting will take effect beginning July 1.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• 20 years of age at the time of application
• Valid Drivers License
• U. S. Citizen
• High School Diploma or GED
• North Carolina BLET certification or currently enrolled in a BLET program with the expectation of graduating within the next six months; OR
• Two years, full-time, out-of-state sworn law enforcement experience and have successfully completed a basic law enforcement training course accredited by the state from which you are transferring (cannot have a break in service exceeding three years).

All applicants must complete an online Wilmington Police Department Application Packet to be considered. Candidates must successfully complete the entire recruitment process to include: physical abilities testing; written test; interviews; background investigation; polygraph; psychological evaluation; and medical examination with drug screen.

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

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position generally requires work in a vehicle and outdoors.

The City of Wilmington is offering up to $25k with a new Lateral Recruitment Incentive Program

To Qualify, candidates must:

• Successfully completed the Basic Law Enforcement Training or another state's equivalent (as determined in a review of comparable experience by the Chief of Police)
• Is actively certified and eligible to be employed as a certified police officer with the City of Wilmington.
• Must be hired as a Full-time Certified Police Officer and begin their employment on or after August 27, 2025.
• May not be an employee of the City of Wilmington in any capacity as of August 27, 2025.

Incentive Payment Levels Available Based on Years of Experience:

• $25,000: Two (2) or more years of sworn law enforcement experience in NC AND has their NC Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate.
• $20,000: Less than two (2) years of sworn law enforcement experience in NC, OR more than two years of sworn law enforcement experience in NC, but does not have their Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate.
• $15,000: Two (2) or more years of sworn law enforcement experience outside of NC.
• $10,000: Less than two (2) years of sworn law enforcement experience outside of NC after the successful completion of BLET.

Incentives above cannot be combined.

Payment Processing

• Certified Officers hired under this program will receive 20% of their eligible incentive in their first paycheck.
• Each remaining 20% of their incentive will be paid in subsequent six-month increments, paid within 30 days of completion of that period of employment.
• Total payment will be paid over 24 months (payments in months 0, 6, 12, 18, 24).

Eligibility for any remaining incentive payments under this program will immediately cease if the employee separates from employment with the City of Wilmington for any reason during their first 25 months of employment under this program. This includes any payment that has not yet been processed as of the employee's last day of employment. No payment will be made if the candidate is not hired.

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.

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 30 days of employment 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 30 days of employment. 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. Sworn Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) are also provided additional life insurance thru the NC Retirement System. The supplemental life insurance is equal to one times the annual salary, not to exceed $50,000.

Retirement:

• NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
• Deferred Compensation - For all employees, the city contributes 4.5% of salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. In addition, the City contributes an additional 5% of salary to the LEO 401(k) plan for all Sworn Law Enforcement Officers. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
• Social Security benefits - calculated under Windfall Elimination Provision

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.

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 recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 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.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection 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?

• Yes

02

Are you an out-of-state transfer who has completed an equivalent to the NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Program AND has completed at least two (2) years of "FULL TIME SWORN" service?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently enrolled in a NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Program with a graduation date within the next six (6) months?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you currently possess a NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate? Note: This is not a requirement for Lateral Transfers for Officers coming from a different state.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you currently possess a NC Intermediate Law Enforcement Training Certificate? Note: This is not a requirement.

• Yes
• No

06

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. Step 1: Completion of City of Wilmington On-line 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: Deputy Chief of Police Interview Step 8 - 11 are completed after 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/Onboarding/Orientation Scheduled

• Yes

07

All documents attached to this application must be properly signed and notarized. If documents do not have the proper notarization or signatures, this will affect your application including either disqualification from the process or not moving forward in the process until documentation is received. Please acknowledge that you understand this requirement.

• Yes

08

Do you have a valid US Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

09

Primary communication in regards to your application status will be through the contact information provided on the application including your email and phone number. Please select "yes" that you understand.

• Yes

10

The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.

• Yes

11

If you were referred by a current City of Wilmington employee, please provide their first name, last name and city email address. If you were not referred, please put N/A. (Please note: Only 1 person can be listed)

Required Question

Employer City of Wilmington

Address PO Box 1810

929 N. Front Street, 11th Floor

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401

Phone 910-341-7840

Website http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/jobs