Police Trainee

Date Opened: Monday, March 16, 2026 12:00 AMClose Date: Monday, March 16, 2099 12:00 AMDepartment: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police DepartmentSalary: $28.61 - $37.55 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Police Trainee is responsible for completing the CMPD Academy and passing the Basic Law Enforcement Training to become a certified sworn law enforcement officer, providing protection, policing, patrolling and investigation. Police Trainees participate in a structured training and certification program and perform entry-level law enforcement work under close supervision.

To learn more about the Police Department’s hiring process and other frequently asked questions, visit our website at https://charlottepolicejobs.org/

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email [email protected]

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in a structured law enforcement training academy that incorporates an adult learning environment and follows a paramilitary model to gain knowledge of entry-level law enforcement responsibilities.

• Participates in a field training program with the assistance of a field training officer, applying techniques learned in the training academy.

• Meet all training requirements established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice and Training Standards Commission as well as traditional requirements established by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

• Performs entry-level law enforcement work under close supervision involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of applicable laws and ordinances, provision of traffic control, prevention of crime, and other related responsibilities.

• Prepares and maintains applicable logs, records, reports and files.

• Keeps assigned tools and/or equipment in clean and safe working condition; adheres to applicable policies and procedures.

• Work with community leaders and members on crime reduction projects.

• Assist in developing crime reduction programs upon becoming a Police Officer.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess High School Diploma/GED

• Be at least 20 years old

• Be a U.S. Citizen

• Have not committed or been convicted of any Felony offense or serious Misdemeanor offense

• Have not committed or been convicted of DWI or DUI in the preceding five years

• Pass entry level written examination

• Complete entry level physical ability assessment

• Must be able to wear a gas mask and pass an OSHA fit test

• Pass extensive background investigation

• Be approved by Civil Service Board

Licensing/Certifications:

• Possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of the past two years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work.

• Business math concepts.

• Filing and record-keeping principles.

• Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices.

• Uses and properties of supplies and equipment.

• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).

• Customer service principles.

• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.

• Modern office technology.

• Providing attention to detail in assignments.

• Business math computations.

• Acquiring and retaining knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices and procedures.

• Making effective decisions and applying appropriate actions based on different situations in accordance with laws, policies, procedures and standards.

• Organizing and maintaining records and files.

• Maintaining and updating data and documentation.

• Comprehending reference books and manuals.

• Operating assigned tools and equipment.

• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment).

• Providing customer service.

• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.

• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

• Possess essential skills related to written & oral communication, critical thinking, and problem solving/analytical skills.

• Pass the Basic Law Enforcement Training according to the State of North Carolina

• Obtain Division of Criminal Information (DCI) and CPR certifications.

• Successfully complete and pass physical fitness and classroom training and testing.

• Use state, local, and NC criminal information systems to obtain crime/suspect related information to include KBCOPS, CJLEADS, DCI.

• Work with diverse community members.

• Learn how to complete reports and provide testimony in court.

• Learn CMPD technology systems to include KBCOPS, PeopleSoft.

ADA and Other Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email [email protected] or visit our website at https://charlottepolicejobs.org/.

The City of Charlotte is committed to making the job application process accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modification will be provided. To make a request, please email [email protected], call 704-962-6168, or visit us in person at700 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Clickhereto learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.