The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description
- JULY 2025 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 July 2025. Upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, employees are moved into a sworn law enforcement role beginning at $46,176.00 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):
- 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 History Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
- 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 hrinfo@wilmingtonnc.gov or 910-772-4131.
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).
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.
For more information on the recruitment process, please visit the Police Department Website.
The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Typical Tasks
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.
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 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
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.
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
- 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 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.
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 (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):
- 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
- 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?
02
Which best describes your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate Degree
- None - N/A
03
Do you have a valid Drivers License and meet NC DMV standards?
04
Are you at least 20 years of age or older or will you be 20 years of age at the time you are hired or begin Basic Law Enforcement Training?
05
Are you a US Citizen?
Note: If submitting a foreign birth certificate, you must also attach a certificate of citizenship or naturalization
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 Step 2: Preliminary Screening (against job qualifications) Step 3: Written Testing & Physical Agility (if applicable) Step 4: Interview Board
Step 5 is completed after a conditional job offer has been given. Step 5: Complete Background Investigation, Polygraph, and Drug Screen Step 6: Final offer of Employment
07
Please review the below documents. Have you attached all documents to the application with required notarization?
- NC Personal History Statement (F3) signed and notarized - WPD Personal History Waiver signed and notarized - WPD Credit Inquiry Waiver signed and notarized - Criminal History Inquiry Waiver signed and notarized - Driving History Inquiry Waiver - Copy of Birth Certificate - Copy of Official Transcript (seal not required) - High School - transcript only - GED - copy of final grade must be attached - College - transcript only **Please note: if you have trouble attaching any documents contact hrinfo@wilmingtonnc.gov or 910-772-4131. Missing or illegible documents will disqualify the application .**
08
Do you understand that correspondence will be sent to candidates using the e-mail address and phone number included on the application?
Candidates must monitor their e-mail closely after the application has been submitted.