Police Trainee

SPRING 2027 POLICE TRAINEE APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

One City. One Mission. One Community to Protect.

Start Your Career in Law Enforcement with the City of Wilmington!

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. Upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, employees are moved into a sworn law enforcement role beginning at $62,593.44 annually.

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

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  account to view the status of your application, which will show what stage of the process you are in.

As a Police Trainee, you’ll have the opportunity to build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to serve and protect the Wilmington community. This is more than a job—it’s the beginning of a career dedicated to making a difference, building trust, and keeping our city safe.

Under the guidance and training of experienced law enforcement professionals, Police Trainees learn to respond to calls for service, engage with the community, and perform the essential duties of a police officer. From gaining hands-on experience with police equipment and technology to learning tactical, traffic, security, and investigative operations, you’ll develop the skills necessary to confidently serve a diverse community.

• Respond to citizen calls for service and assist individuals in need.
• Develop and maintain a visible police presence throughout the community to promote safety and public confidence.
• Learn and perform law enforcement activities and operations under the direction of experienced officers and instructors.
• Develop skills in crime prevention, investigation, and evidence gathering.
• Learn to safely operate police vehicles, communications equipment, weapons systems, and other law enforcement technology.
• Participate in tactical, security, prisoner, and traffic operations as part of your training and assigned duties.
• Complete accurate reports, records, and other required documentation.
• Navigate streets and respond efficiently to calls throughout the City.
• Assist with special events and community activities.
• Learn and apply appropriate procedures for the safe handling and use of chemical, biological, and other protective equipment.
• Maintain assigned equipment and ensure it is ready for use.
• Build positive relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, and fellow City employees.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Every call answered, every interaction with a resident, and every response to an emergency is an opportunity to make a difference. As a Police Trainee, you'll develop the skills and judgment needed to serve with professionalism, integrity, and compassion while becoming an important part of the Wilmington Police Department.

• 20 years of age by the time you graduate Basic Law Enforcement…