• Job Description

  Req#: 5016563
  **JANUARY 2026 POLICE TRAINEE APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED**

  
  

  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 beginning in January 2026 . Upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, employees are moved into a sworn law enforcement role beginning at $49,545.60 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 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 History Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
  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)
     - 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 or 910-341-7840.
  
  Note: All notary signatures must be recent and up-to-date . Do not sign the document until you are in the presence of a notary. Forms may be notarized in the Human Resources Department at no cost. Our office is located at 929 N. Front Street (11th Floor). Please contact us to schedule an appointment - 910-341-7840.

  
  

  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 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.

  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.

  
  

  
  The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Respond to citizen calls for service, provide a police presence in the community to encourage citizens to feel safe, conduct law enforcement activities and operations, and investigate crimes. This is accomplished by utilizing communications equipment, employing chemical and biological protective equipment, conducting police tactical movements, conducting security operations, conducting prisoner operations, conducting traffic operations, completing documentation, navigating streets, conducting investigations, and utilizing police equipment and weapons systems, assisting in special events, and maintaining equipment.

  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 at the time you are hired or begin BLET
  - 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 to receive an informational video. **

  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.

• About the company

  The official Facebook page for the City of Wilmington, North Carolina Municipal Government. Visit the City of Wilmington's official webpage at www.wilmingtonnc.gov.

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