Police Officer

Salary Grade SG202
• Recruitment Rate: $56,700.00

Work Location:

Clayton Police Department in Clayton, NC (Johnston County)

The Town of Clayton is seeking applicants for Police Officers within the Clayton Police Department. The Department is part of a growing community with a population of over 340 full‑time employees across public safety and utilities. Officers will perform law enforcement duties, protect public safety, and serve the residents of the Town.

• Patrol streets in a police car, on foot, by bicycle or other appropriate means; check doors and windows; investigate premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; maintain surveillance for stolen cars, missing persons or suspects; report hazardous conditions.
• Respond to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior and other emergencies; assess situations and take appropriate legal actions.
• Investigate traffic accidents; issue traffic citations; direct traffic and participate in other emergency operations.
• Conduct investigations, gather evidence, arrest and process criminal suspects.
• Advise the public on laws and local ordinances; testify in court; execute search warrants; serve papers as needed.
• Regulate and direct vehicular traffic at busy times or when signal malfunctions or accidents occur; maintain order at public gatherings.
• Perform funeral and bank escorts.
• Operate radio communications; prepare detailed records and reports of activities.
• Use software applications to prepare incident reports, research driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, outstanding warrants, and other related research.
• Perform special projects as assigned by the department (e.g., background investigations, security technology, service training coordination).

• Possess considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, and police department policies, especially regarding arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
• Apply information technology to law enforcement work.
• Understand law enforcement principles, practices, methods, equipment, and scientific criminal detection methods.
• Use firearms and other police equipment and apply self‑defense tactics.
• Resolve conflicts collaboratively.
• Communicate clearly over radio and other technology; operate a computer terminal.
• Exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations and present effective court testimony.
• Prepare clear and concise activity reports.
• Build and maintain cooperative relationships with citizens, coworkers, other law enforcement agencies, and Town officials.

• Perform basic life functions: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions.
• Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds often, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Maintain visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and discern details while on patrol.
• Pass the mandatory Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT).

• High School diploma or GED and completion or enrollment in a NC Basic Law Enforcement training program.

• Must possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license and a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate.
• Must obtain additional required certifications.

Town of Clayton employees receive a retirement pension plan, 401(k) membership, paid vacation, sick and holiday leave, state health plan, and other benefits. More information is available at the Town of Clayton benefits page.

Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. Effective October 1, 2025, applicants for positions involving work with children must undergo criminal history checks conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Credit and motor checks apply to some positions. All applicants must pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol screen. Applicants have rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

The Town of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring salary will not exceed the posted range unless approved by the Town Manager.

Applications may be reviewed to determine if education and experience is more applicable to other vacant positions within the Town.