Lateral Police Trainee

Date Opened:
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 12:00 AMClose Date:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 12:00 AM Department:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Salary: $28.19 - $36.46 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 certified sworn law enforcement 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.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking to recruit in-state and out-of-state lateral Police Officers. We are looking for outstanding certified, sworn law enforcement officers to add to our ranks.
We are interested in officers who exhibit integrity, professionalism and dedication to bring their skills and experience to service the citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Experience such as:
Federal Law Enforcement, Corrections Officer, Probation Officer, Park Ranger, Security Officer, Detention Officer, Jailer, College and Campus Security, etc., as determined by our department, will not be considered.
* To learn more about the Police Department’s hiring process and other frequently asked questions, visit our website at
* For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email CMPD Recruitment
** 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
* Pass entry level physical ability test
* Must be able to wear a gas mask and pass an OSHA fit test
* Pass extensive background investigation
* Honorable Military Discharge, if applicable
* Be approved by Civil Service Board
* Normal Color Vision
* Minimum corrected visual acuity of 20/30 binocularly
* Pass pre-employment Drug Screening Test
** Licensing/

Certifications:

*** Possess or have ability to obtain valid NC or SC Driver's License.
** 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…