Police

Work. Serve. Thrive. With the City of Durham

Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve. Our internationally accredited Durham Police Department is dedicated to hiring and training officers and staff who represent the best the law enforcement profession has to offer. We are a progressive agency committed to reducing crime by providing the best quality service. We work to foster public confidence and maintain the highest standards of excellence as a community partner for positive change.

If you're interested in delivering superior emergency response services and working collaboratively to serve our community, join our team in Durham!

• Please note:
  
  The Durham Police Department has reinstated its $10,000 hiring incentive for all recruits who successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) academy, and all three phases of field training.

Candidates that possess or obtain an Associate’s degree from an accredited community college, college, or university will be paid at 2.5% above their base pay. Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university will be paid at 5% above their base pay. Candidates must submit their documentation confirming that the degree was conferred (e.g. transcript, copy of the degree, etc.)

to DPD Employee Services for processing. The incentive will be activated, if the Recruit possesses the degree documentation and presents it to DPD Employee Services, upon promotion to Police Officer.

This posting is for the academy beginning February of 2026

The purpose of this training position is to 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.

Prior to certification, work involves Basic Law Enforcement Training, followed by field training.

• Conducts traffic operations by enforcing North Carolina traffic laws, performing routine and high risk traffic stops, searching vehicles, investigating traffic accidents, removing vehicles and debris, directing traffic, and engaging in vehicle pursuits. Conducts investigations by completing police documentation for reportable crimes and traffic accidents, interviewing and interrogating subjects, utilizing knowledge of search and seizure laws, swearing out warrants and arrests, and protecting crime scenes.
• Performs prisoner operations by conducting searches, handcuffing prisoners, transporting prisoners, and processing prisoners at police station. Utilizes communication systems by using mobile and portable radios, and making telephone calls for reports and follow ups.
• Conducts tactical police operations by serving as a member of search team; conducting searches of buildings, outside area, and vehicles; and patrolling areas in vehicles and on foot.
• Performs administrative duties by completing paperwork, documenting activities and actions, coordinating media relations, serving on committees, maintaining equipment and vehicle, and assisting in coordinating special events.

• Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature that may be obtained with six-months/one year of advanced study or training past the high school equivalency. State Accredited Community college, vocational, business, and technical or correspondence schools are likely sources.
• Basic Law Enforcement Training.
• Have a valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license "or" if you currently have another state driver's license,…